At Senacre Wood Primary School, we understand that if children are struggling with their emotional wellbeing, it can be hard for them to focus on their learning.
That is why we ensure that all of our students are able to access extra support should they need it; whether that be with staff in school, or by signposting families to other agencies. We also encourage our whole school community to talk about mental health, what positive mental health looks like, and how and where to access relevant help.
Below are some really useful links and information about different websites and agencies that are available for parents/carers and children and young people.
Headstart Kent is an online service that has created lots of free resources that help young people, parents and carers and practitioners to understand emotional wellbeing and resilience.
"Sometimes it can be hard to know how best to support a child or young person in difficult times. We have tried to help by finding the best and most reliable information, tools, resources, support and services relating to resilience and emotional wellbeing"
Moodspark is a webpage designed for children from 10 to 16; they can learn about their own emotional wellbeing and mental health and find their own way to bounce back when life gets tough.
Live Well Kent and Medway provides free mental health support for younger people and adults.
"Our team works with schools, parents and carers as well as other professionals like health visitors or community paediatricians to prevent ill health in children, families and the wider community, support safeguarding of children and young people and address any health needs to make sure every child reaches their potential."
School Public Health Service are a team of health professionals who can support families and children with physical and mental health difficulties;
- Daytime and night time wetting and soiling.
- Sleep.
- Behaviour issues.
- Healthy eating and lifestyle.
- Emotional health and wellbeing.
- Puberty and growing up.
- Other complex health needs.
If you are really concerned about the mental health of a child or young person NEFLT NHS CYPMHS website can offer lots of advice. There are referral forms for parents/carers and professionals if additional support for mental health is required.
Good Mental Health Matters is a free, NHS initiated resource that empowers young people by encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing. It offers simple, positive strategies and advice that can be accessed by teachers and professionals, parents and young people through their schools to promote good mental health.
Online support and Intervention for child anxiety.
What do Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners do?
Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners (EWPs) aim to improve access to mental health support for children, young people and their families. Using evidence-based principles, we provide low intensity interventions for young people experiencing common emotional wellbeing difficulties such as, low mood, anxiety and behavioural difficulties. EWPs also provide one-to-one support, run groups and workshops in educational settings for children and young people as well as parents and school staff. Most importantly, we will work together with Senacre Wood Primary School to support children, young people and their families. We also work with school staff to help improve wellbeing across the school as a whole.
Meet the team:
Hello my name is Sarah. I am part of the Emotional Wellbeing Team at Senacre Wood Primary school. I have previously worked in both secondary and primary schools, Early Help and completed an Undergraduate degree in Social Work. I developed an interest in mental health and supporting the emotional wellbeing of young people which was what motivated me to become an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner. I will be based at the school every Thursday morning and look forward to working with the students, parents and staff at Senacre Wood Primary School. Outside of work my hobbies include travelling, reading, baking and spending time with friends and family.
Hello, my name is Sasha and I am a Senior Clinician and Supervisor for the Emotional Wellbeing Team in West Kent and I work with Sarah at Senacre Wood Primary School. I really enjoy the variety of work we do at the school, including one to one support with children and their parents, workshops with the year groups and supporting the staff at the school too. I am pleased that the support we offer is accessible for everyone connected with the school community and we can all work together to help improve students of Senacre Wood Primary emotional wellbeing through early intervention. Outside of work my hobbies include walking the family dog, socialising and yoga, I am yet to try puppy yoga!