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    • Mental Health

    At St Peter’s C of E Primary School, we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and wider community. We understand that everyone faces challenges at times and that good mental health is something we all need to nurture and support.

    We aim to create a safe, caring environment where children feel valued, confident and able to share their thoughts and feelings. We help pupils to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships and develop resilience so they can thrive both in school and beyond.

    Wellbeing is woven through daily school life. Through our curriculum, including Relationships and Health Education, and whole-school approaches such as assemblies, reflection time and collective worship, children learn how to look after their mental health, support others and stay safe. We also encourage physical activity, mindfulness and opportunities for quiet reflection throughout the day.

    We work closely with families, recognising the importance of strong partnerships in supporting children’s development. Where additional support is needed, we provide targeted interventions and work with external professionals to ensure every child gets the help they need.

    At St. Peter’s we work closely with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Nottingham. They offer a range of early intervention services to support families. More information can be found on their website: Mental Health Support Services For People In Nottinghamshire | NottAlone

    Below are three courses currently offered by MHST:

    Forever Families

    • Format: 8 weekly sessions (1.5 hours each) via Microsoft Teams

    • Focus: Designed to support parents of children (up to age 10) who may show challenging behaviours.

    • Content: Strategies for managing behaviour using positive praise, rewards, limit setting, and consequences, while promoting emotional and social competence.

    Managing Anxiety With Your Child (MAC Group)

    • Format: 5 weekly sessions (1.5 hours each) via Microsoft Teams, plus two follow-up phone calls

    • Focus: Supports parents of children (up to age 10) who experience anxiety, fears, or worries.

    • Content: Understanding anxiety, how it develops, and step-by-step techniques to help children overcome it.

    An Introduction to Neurodiversity & Anxiety

    • Format: 6 weekly virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams

    • Focus: Designed for parents of children and young people with special educational needs including Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities (a confirmed diagnosis is not required).

    • Content: Offers support and practical strategies to help children manage anxiety. Sessions explore behaviour, emotions, sensory differences, communication and physical sensations.

    • Outcomes: By the end of the course, parents will be able to:

    – Understand how anxiety may present

    – Recognise when their child is anxious

    – Identify triggers for anxiety

    – Feel confident in supporting their child to manage it

    These courses are designed for parents as they believe you have the biggest impact.

    If you would like further support or information on courses they discussed, please email office@st-peters.notts.sch.uk  FAO Miss Fisher. Here are some online resources and extra reading that the MHST recommended.  

    At St Peter’s, we want every child to feel happy, supported and ready to flourish.

     

    Recommended Reading for Infant and Primary

    • Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries - Cathy Creswell
    • Starving the (anxiety, depression, stress, anger or exam stress) Gremlin – Kate Collins-Donnelly
    • You’re a Star/ Don’t Worry be Happy/ Be Strong / Be Yourself  / Be Brave / Sometimes I’m Anxious – Poppy O’Neill
    • The Incredible Years - Webster-Stratton (for behaviour that challenges)  

    Online Resources:

    For Parents

    Mental Health Support for Adults 

    Self-Referral to CAMHS or by contacting MHL at school

    Tips for Supporting your Child’s Mental Health

    Starting a conversation

    “You don’t understand” 

    Non-judgemental approach

    Don’t try to fix it; encourage them to come to their own solutions

    Drive the VAN – Validate, Acknowledge and Normalise

    Say what you see

    Me and you vs. the problem, not me vs. you

    Talk about others and their mental health

    Car conversations

    The take away messages: “thank you for sharing”, “I’m here for you”, “I love you and nothing will ever change that”

    What can I do? 

    Don’t blame yourself!

    Be a role model

    Talk openly about mental health in the home

    Encourage and demonstrate wellbeing habits; connect, be active, be curious, keep learning and give.  

    1:1 time 

    Communicate

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