Well-being for St francis Children 

At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we prioritise the well-being of our students, staff, and parents. Our Catholic vision and values guide us in creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels supported and cared for.

Support Available in School

All of staff support the children during the school day and are available to support students with their emotional and mental well-being. Our school provides a safe space for students to express themselves and seek guidance.

At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.

At our school we:

• help children to understand their emotions and feelings better                             
• help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• help children socially to form and maintain relationships
• promote self-esteem and ensure children know that they count
• encourage children to be confident and speak up for themselves and others 
• help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks 

We offer different levels of support:

Universal Support- To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum, including PSHE for which we follow the Life to the Full Scheme. This includes a whole school focus on the Zones of Regulation, identifying and regulating emotions initially with support and then independently.

Additional support- For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement, family situations or illness. This could include short term support from a mentor or we may refer to outside agencies for this e.g. The Yoyo Project.

Targeted support-  For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions such as wellbeing groups or personal mentors. This could also include additional time in our sensory shed and well-being workshop.

Zones of Regulation - find out more through this link! 

Pupils Welfare and safeguarding

The welfare of our pupils is of utmost importance to us. We have robust safeguarding policies in place to ensure that every child feels safe and secure while at school. Our staff are trained to recognise and respond to any signs of distress or concern.

Support Signposting for Parents

We understand that parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's well-being. That's why we offer resources and information to help parents navigate any challenges their child may be facing. We provide guidance on topics such as mental health, bullying, and building resilience.

Supporting Anxiety - Anxiety UK

Essex Family Support Services

Essex Mental Health Support Team

NHS Urgent Mental Health Support - NHS Link

• Is my child too ill for school? (NHS) - information to help parents and carers understand if their child is well enough to go to school.
• Anxiety in children (NHS) - information and advice for parents and carers on the signs and causes of anxiety and how to support their children.
• School anxiety and refusal: how parents can help (BBC Bitesize) - guidance on recognising difficulties with wellbeing and attendance and where to seek support.
• Supporting your child with school anxiety and refusal (YoungMinds) - guidance for parents and carers on supporting young people with anxiety and attendance.
• A parent workbook: supporting your child with school-based anxiety (Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board) - a workbook for parents and carers with activities to help their children understand and manage anxious feelings related to school

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to promote holistic well-being. We incorporate lessons and activities that focus on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-care. By integrating well-being into the curriculum, we aim to equip our students with the skills they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Staff training 

Our staff undergo regular training to enhance their understanding of well-being issues and how to support students effectively. They prioritise care and kindness in their interactions with students, creating a compassionate and inclusive school community.

At St Francis Catholic Primary School, we are committed to fostering a culture of well-being where every individual feels valued and supported. Together, we create a nurturing environment that promotes the development of our students.