Mental Health & Wellbeing
At St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We recognise that children and families may experience challenges at different times, and we aim to provide a nurturing, supportive environment where wellbeing is prioritised alongside learning.
We believe positive mental health is everyone’s responsibility and that children thrive when they feel safe, listened to and valued.
Our approach to mental health and wellbeing
We support pupils to:
- Understand and manage their emotions
- Feel confident to share concerns or worries
- Build positive friendships and relationships
- Develop resilience and coping strategies
- Grow in confidence and self-belief
Our approach is rooted in our Catholic ethos and focuses on caring for the whole child.
Promoting wellbeing in school
Wellbeing is embedded into daily school life through:
- PSHE and wellbeing-focused lessons
- Assemblies and collective reflection
- Opportunities for mindfulness, creativity and outdoor learning
- Dedicated wellbeing activities and themed days
- Strong pastoral care and trusted adult support
Pupils are encouraged to talk openly and seek help when they need it.
St John the Baptist works in partnership with families and external agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
We work closely with:
- Children’s First Hubs
- Future in Mind
- Wakefield local services
Support may include short-term interventions, advice for families or referrals to specialist services when appropriate.
Some children may benefit from additional emotional or mental health support. This may include support for:
- Anxiety or low mood
- Emotional regulation
- School attendance or transitions
- Family change or bereavement
- Social or behavioural challenges
If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing, we encourage you to speak to the school so we can support you together.
We signpost and work alongside a range of local and national services, including:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Support for children and young people experiencing significant mental health difficulties.
Primary Intervention Team
School-based support offering early help for emotional and behavioural needs.
Early Help Hubs
Co-ordinated family support services delivered by Wakefield Council.
Community Navigators
Support for families to access community-based wellbeing services and activities.
It is normal for children to experience worries, anxiety or difficult feelings as they grow. Support is available for young people through trusted services, including:
- MindMate
- NSPCC
- Childline
Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult at home or in school if they are worried.
We recognise the importance of supporting families as well as children. A range of guidance, advice and resources is available to help parents support their child’s mental health and wellbeing.
⬇️ Please see the downloadable guides and resources below
Resources
This section includes:
- Mental health and wellbeing guides for families
- Advice on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing
- Information on recognising when to seek support
Children and young people with anxiety – a guide for parents and carers
Anxiety
– Anxiety in children and young people
– Social, emotional and mental wellbeing in primary and secondary education – NICE Guidance
Emotional Well-being
– DfE Guidance Mental Health in schools/colleges
– Mental health and wellbeing support in schools/colleges
– Nip in the bud Mental health films for primary schools
– Promoting emotional health and wellbeing in schools PHE
– Gov. Teaching about mental wellbeing training and resources
– MindEd FREE Children’s Mental Health Resource/e-learning
– Mental health and behaviour in schools – GOV guidance
– Mental health first aid resources
– Mind Of My Own App capture students views/feelings etc.
– Health apps professionally rated (includes mental health)
– Mental health resources for schools – Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
– Improving children’s mental health in schools – Place2Be
Trauma
– Resources (beaconhouse.org.uk)
– Understanding Trauma – Ask The Expert – ACAMH
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
– Self harm advice for schools WAKEFIELD CAMHS
– Self Harm guide for school staff
– Samaritans SUICIDE ADVICE for schools
– Building a Suicide Safer School Toolkit
Body Confidence / Eating Disorders
If you need help now
If you are worried about a child’s immediate safety or wellbeing, please contact:
- Your GP
- Local emergency services
- Childline (for children): 0800 1111
You can also contact the school for advice and support.
Our commitment
By prioritising mental health and wellbeing, we aim to create a school environment where every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn. We believe wellbeing underpins success, happiness and personal growth.