We are a Thrive School
We believe that children’s emotional development is as important as their academic development. We are a Thrive school and use Thrive assessments and methods to help children learn new ways of responding, which can improve resilience and give them a greater ability to engage with life and learning.
For more information visit www.thriveapproach.com
Mental health and well-being: information for parents and carers of primary aged children
Bathford Church School take the emotional health and well-being of every child seriously. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy.
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
Local services for children
- The School
Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. Please contact your child’s class teacher, Mrs Jennifer Keenan the special educational needs coordinator (SENDCO) or Mrs Becky Hayter, the Headteacher.
jennifer.keenan@bathford.bwmat.org
becky.hayter@bathford.bwmat.org
- Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
Our lovely school nurse is Sally Mitchell, who is a Specialist Public Health School Nurse. She can be contacted on 07894598251
Parents/carers can also contact the Bath and North East Somerset School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
- Off the Record Counselling service for young people
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:-
Young Minds: – Help for Parents Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544.
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health – leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children.
Childline Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations.
Minded for Families Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers.
Happy Maps Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups including pre-school and primary age.
Looking after your own mental health
In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer, especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you:
Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support adult wellbeing.
Accessed through G.P or self-referral.
MyScript- Social prescribing service
Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.
Tel: 01225 316199
Samaritans. Tel: free 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone. Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
B&NES Directory of services: Wellbeing Options
Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs across the area.
1 Big Database links to a wide range of useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.
Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.
Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
The information above has been provided by B&NES Council Public Health Team
Further Useful Links:
Mental Health info for school websites Primary school version