At Farsley Springbank Primary School, we believe that children thrive when they feel safe, valued and supported. Our school values of Kind, Curious and Courageous guide everything we do.
We encourage children to be kind to themselves and others by recognising and supporting emotional wellbeing.
We help children stay curious about their feelings, learning to understand their emotions and how their minds and bodies work.
We support children to be courageous by speaking about worries, asking for help and developing strategies to manage challenges.
Promoting positive mental health is a key part of school life. We work to create a culture where mental health is talked about openly, children understand that everyone has mental health and seeking support is normal and encouraged.
Children learn about mental health and wellbeing throughout their time at Springbank through our curriculum and wider school experiences.
This includes:
PSHE lessons that teach children about emotions, resilience, relationships and coping strategies
MindMate lessons, which support children to understand and manage their mental health
No Outsiders lessons, which promote belonging, respect and inclusion
Children’s Mental Health Week activities across the school
Assemblies focused on wellbeing, including relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Reflect and Relax time, where children practise calming strategies
MindMate Ambassadors, pupil leaders who promote positive mental health and support school initiatives
From Reception onwards, children learn how to recognise emotions, express their feelings and develop strategies that support positive wellbeing.
We encourage children to speak about their worries and feelings. All children know that there are trusted adults in school who they can talk to.
Children have several ways to share concerns:
Talking to a trusted adult (teacher, teaching assistant or another member of staff)
Class worry boxes
Blob Trees and emotion check-ins
Lunchtime wellbeing club
Pupil surveys and consultations which help us understand children’s wellbeing
Support from our MindMate Ambassadors
We aim for all children to know at least five trusted adults they could speak to if they needed support.
Across school, children learn about the Five Ways to Wellbeing, which help them develop positive habits for good mental health.
These are:
Children experience these ideas through lessons, assemblies, clubs and whole-school events so they can develop strategies that work for them.
Sometimes children need extra support with their emotional wellbeing. In school we can provide support through:
Conversations with teachers or support staff
Pastoral support from a learning mentor or our senior mental health lead
Cluster support services
Referral to the MindMate Support Team where appropriate
If you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance.
You can also contact our Senior Mental Health Lead, Mrs Mitchell, who can provide advice and help identify further support if needed.
h.mitchell@farsleyspringbank.co.uk
If you feel your child may need additional help, there are several services that can offer advice and support.
Speak to your GP
Your GP can provide advice and may refer your child to appropriate services such as the MindMate Support Team.
MindMate (Leeds)
MindMate is a Leeds service that supports children and young people with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Our parents support page which offers support from a range of resources to support parents. There are many issues covered here, such as sleep and screen time, all things we know greatly affect mental wellbeing.
YoungMinds Parent Helpline
Provides advice for parents worried about their child’s mental health.
📞 0808 802 5544
🌐 https://youngminds.org.uk
MindEd
A free educational resource for parents and carers about children’s mental health.
🌐 https://www.minded.org.uk
NSPCC – Children’s Mental Health Advice
Advice and guidance for parents supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
🌐 https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Save the Children – Calm and Relaxation Activities
Ideas to help children manage feelings and worries at home.
🌐 https://www.savethechildren.org