The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as ‘a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.’

At Springfield, we believe that building healthy relationships and nourishing mental health and wellbeing is a key driver in a healthy and happy school and we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our children and staff. We understand that a supportive environment is essential for learning, growth, and the overall happiness of our entire school community. We believe that teaching about and supporting mental health and wellbeing is everybody's responsibility and that we all have a role to play.

At Springfield, we use the NHS recommended ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ framework within our approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. This gives our school community ways to support their own mental health and wellbeing and explore what works best for them as an individual.

Connect: Connecting with the people around us is a great way to remind ourselves that we’re important and valued by others.

Be active: We know that there’s a link between staying active and positive mental health and wellbeing.

Take Notice: Taking notice of our thoughts, emotions and surroundings is a great way to stay present and pay attention to our needs

Keep learning: Learning new things is a good way to meet new people and boost our self confidence, which in turn improves our mental health and wellbeing.

Give: Research has found a link between doing good things and an increase in wellbeing.

Identifying children who may need Mental Health and Wellbeing support:

School and families needs to be alert to how mental health problems can underpin challenging or distressed behaviours in order to support pupils effectively.

Negative experiences and distressing life events can affect mental health in a way that can bring about changes in a young person’s behaviour or emotional state. These warning signs should always be taken seriously and staff and families observing any of these warning signs should communicate their concerns with their child's teacher, the the school's designated safeguarding lead (Mrs Chard) or the Mental Health and Wellbeing lead (Mrs Garbett/Miss Beddow) as appropriate. Possible warning signs may include:      
   

• Any change in usual behaviour patterns and attitude to learning.
• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Changes in activity and mood e.g. becoming aggressive and oppositional
• Changes in eating / sleeping habits
• Changes in interpersonal behaviour e.g. excessive clinginess
• Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope
• Repeated physical pain or nausea with no evident cause
• An increase in lateness or absenteeism
• Talking or joking about self-harm or suicide

If you have concerns about your child's mental health and wellbeing, please speak to the school, we are here to support you. Also see the resources at the top of this page.