Mental Health & Wellbeing

At our school, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Children who feel safe, supported, and valued are better able to learn, build friendships, and enjoy school life.

We place wellbeing at the heart of everything we do through a whole-school approach, ensuring every child feels included, understood, and ready to thrive.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. It affects how children:

• Build relationships

• Manage emotions

• Cope with challenges

• Engage with learning

All children experience ups and downs. Our role is to help them develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills they need to navigate these successfully.

How We Support Children in School

We provide a consistent and embedded approach to wellbeing across all areas of school life. This is not a one-off initiative, but part of our daily practice and culture.

Our approach includes:

• A safe, caring and inclusive environment where every child feels they belong

• Trusted adults who listen and respond to children’s needs

• Teaching of social and emotional skills through our curriculum

• Opportunities for pupil voice, so children feel heard and valued

• Early identification of needs and timely support

• Targeted interventions for children who need additional help

• Strong partnerships with families and external services

Through this, we aim to develop pupils’ emotional wellbeing, resilience, and readiness to learn.

Recognising When a Child May Need Support

Every child is different, but you may notice:

• Changes in mood or behaviour

• Increased anxiety or withdrawal

• Difficulty with friendships

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Physical complaints such as headaches or tummy aches

• Reduced engagement in school or learning

If you notice any of these signs, early support can make a big difference. Please speak to us - we are here to help.

Working Together with Parents & Carers

We know that children do best when school and home work in partnership.

We will:

• Keep you informed about your child’s wellbeing

• Listen to your concerns and work together on solutions

• Offer practical advice and strategies

• Signpost you to additional support where needed

If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s class teacher or a member of the leadership team.

Supporting Your Child at Home

There are simple ways you can support your child’s mental health:

• Talk and listen regularly without judgement

• Keep routines to provide stability and security

• Encourage play, relaxation, and physical activity

• Help children name and understand their feelings

• Spend quality time together

• Model positive ways of coping with challenges

These small steps help children build resilience and emotional confidence over time.

Support for Families

Sometimes extra support is needed, and that’s okay. The following organisations offer trusted advice and guidance:

• YoungMinds – support for children and parents

• NSPCC – advice on children’s wellbeing and safety

• Place2Be – resources and support for families

• West Sussex Mind – information and support for mental health

• NHS Every Mind Matters – practical tips for wellbeing

• Anna Freud Centre - resources for children and families

You can also speak to your GP or access local services such as the Chichester Family Hub or CAMHS .

Looking After Yourself

Supporting a child can sometimes feel challenging. Looking after your own wellbeing is important too.

• Reach out for support when you need it

• Take time to rest and recharge

• Talk to someone you trust

You are not alone - support is always available.

  Getting Help

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the school. We are here to listen and work with you to ensure every child feels:

• Safe

• Supported

• Ready to learn

Our Senior Mental Health Lead is Mrs Katie Hoebee who can be contacted directly at head@funtingtonprimaryschool.co.uk