Supporting our children's mental health

At St Mary's Priory, we take emotional health and mental wellbeing very seriously.

Each class has its own Worry Box where children can post notes to highlight concerns, or request support if they feel unable to say it out loud.   Weekly Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE) lessons form part of the curriculum which aim to give children the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead confident, healthy and independent lives.

This week, our PSHE lessons have had a focus of 'My Voice Matters' - the theme of Children's Mental Health Week 2024.  Our children have learned that having a good mental health awareness both empowers and equips them for life, as well as giving them a voice. 

Emotional Regulation 

We use the Zones of Regulation  to encourage children's ability to:

• Recognise their emotions
• Name their emotions
• Express their emotions in a healthy way
• Use strategies to support them with negative emotions

Assembly & Awareness Days

Regular wellbeing assemblies and awareness days like Children's Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Week help us to maintain a wellbeing focus throughout school, which also enable children to practice ways to support their own wellbeing.

Enrichment

We believe it's important to provide children with lots of opportunities to access activities to build their character and confidence. Our after-school and lunchtime enrichment clubs are a great chance for children to practise skills and explore new things like drawing, debating and crafts.