As a school, wellbeing and mental health in our pupils and staff are a high priority; Downside is 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, some 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 Downside 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
• Help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks

We do this through:

• Our comprehensive PSHE curriculum which centres around giving our pupils emotional and practical “tools for life”
• Creating and maintaining a safe and supportive environment in school
• Promoting and teaching about our school values in assemblies
• Celebrating a variety of class and pupil achievements in class and as a school
• Pausing our school day 3 times each day for a 1 minute “Brain Break”, allowing pupils to refocus

We also offer additional and targeted support to those children who may benefit from it.

Common life events which may affect a child’s wellbeing:

• Loss or bereavement
• Loneliness
• Friendship problems
• Issues at school
• Worries

The support we offer:

Learning and Wellbeing Mentors – our mentors work with individuals and groups. Their work includes one-to-one support, social skills, drawing and talking and in-class support. 

Clinical psychologist – we have a clinical psychologist who works at our school one day a week. She works with children and families and delivers specific targeted sessions based on identified needs.

Everyone deserves to feel good mentally and there are many strategies which can help with this.

What you can do to feel mentally healthy:

• Build positive relationships.
• Take time for yourself.
• Look after your mental health.
• Look after your physical health.

What your child can do in school to feel mentally healthy:

• Be open and talk about your feelings with your friends.
• Associate yourself with positive people.
• Join an afterschool club.
• Speak to a Learning and Wellbeing Mentor.
• Get physically active (a healthy body and mind are closely linked).

We all have times when we struggle with our mental wellbeing, where we feel stressed, upset or find it difficult to cope.

If you or your child are struggling with your mental health, please come and speak to one of our Family Support Team as we can signpost you to the best support for you and/or your child.

Please see links below to some relevant websites.