Wellbeing at The Haven
Our Aims for Mental Health and Wellbeing
We aim to build protective factors that foster resilience and promote positive mental health across our school community. At The Haven, we strive to be a place where:
All pupils are valued and respected.
Pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and safety.
Pupils are encouraged to talk openly with trusted adults.
Positive mental health is actively promoted and celebrated.
Bullying is not tolerated.
Whole School Provision
Mental health and wellbeing are embedded throughout our curriculum and daily practice. As part of our Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE), children learn about emotions, relationships, and self-care. We use the Zones of Regulation across the school to help children understand and manage their feelings, develop emotional literacy, and build self-regulation skills.
“Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” (World Health Organisation)
At The Haven Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for every member of our school community; pupils, parents and staff members alike, as we understand nurturing our mental health and emotional wellbeing is as important as our physical health. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at those who need further support.
We provide information, advice and resources for our community wherever possible in order to equip them with the resilience, resources and tools to live healthy lives, both mentally and physically, and find additional support wherever necessary. In addition to promoting positive wellbeing, we aim to recognise and respond to mental ill health.
The Church of England vision for Education states that ‘nurturing the health and wellbeing of pupils is a key facet of holistic education for human flourishing. It should not be seen as a stand-alone item but as part of an embedded approach across the school’s ethos, linking with other aspects of health education, spiritual development, the wider school curriculum and the ethos and policies that underpin the school. Any whole-school approach needs to ensure good partnership with other agencies and health services.’
We also benefit from the DCAT Wellbeing Framework, which supports the wellbeing of all members of our school community—children, staff, and families. This trust-wide framework provides a consistent and compassionate approach to wellbeing, ensuring that mental health is prioritised across all aspects of school life.
Enhanced Support
Some children may need additional support with their mental health and wellbeing. We offer a range of tailored interventions, which may include:
Informal check-ins and chats with trusted adults
Playtime buddies and peer support
Group or individual sessions with our Children’s Wellbeing Support Lead
Support from our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
Guidance from our Family Liaison Officer
Where needed, we also work closely with external agencies to help families access specialist mental health services.
Working Together
We believe that wellbeing is a shared responsibility. If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our Children’s Wellbeing Team. We are here to listen, support, and work together to ensure every child feels happy, safe, and ready to learn. For more information on Social, Emotional Mental Health and Wellbeing within school, please view our SEMH and Well Being Policy.
Useful websites and links
Family hubs | Family hubs provide support for parents with young families.
Young Minds A national charity which has advice for children and their parents about many aspects of mental health
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families This organisation has a lot of advice and support for families to support their children with mental health concerns and worries.
Child in Mind Podcasts Child in Mind have worked collaboratively with Anna Freud (National Centre for Children and Families) to create a set of podcasts about different aspects of children's mental health and wellbeing.
MindEd for Families This website contains lots of advice for parents to help them support their children with their mental health
Mind A national charity which offers support and guidance to families.
e-wellbeing A website for children to access advice and support if they are feeling anxious or worried.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Butterflies Child Therapy This is a paid for service, but offers equine therapy and counselling sessions for young people who are struggling emotionally or with their mental health
Parent Help & Guidance - The Lily Jo Project This website offers advice on supporting your child with anxiety, when they are feeling angry or sad and offers tips on building resilience. It also has a parent forum, regular podcasts and webinars around supporting your child with their mental health.
