WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF MY CHILD?
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Pocklington CE VC Infant School, we want every child to feel safe, valued, included and ready to learn. We recognise that children’s emotional wellbeing affects their learning, relationships and development.
What school can do
All staff share responsibility for supporting children’s wellbeing. Although the school no longer has a dedicated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), children can still access appropriate support according to their individual needs.
We support children by:
- building warm, trusting relationships with children and families;
- providing consistent routines and calm, nurturing classroom environments;
- teaching children to recognise, express and manage their emotions;
- promoting positive relationships, resilience and self-esteem through the curriculum;
- identifying changes in behaviour, attendance or emotional wellbeing at an early stage;
- providing pastoral support and reasonable adjustments where appropriate;
- working with parents and carers to understand children’s needs; and
- seeking advice or support from external professionals when necessary.
Where a family would benefit from coordinated support, school may discuss an assessment or referral through East Riding Family Help. Family Help is the developing approach that brings together early and targeted support for children and families before difficulties become more serious.
What parents and carers can do
Parents and carers can promote positive mental health by:
- making time to listen without immediately trying to solve the problem;
- helping children name and understand their feelings;
- maintaining predictable routines for sleep, meals and school attendance;
- encouraging play, exercise and time outdoors;
- praising effort, kindness and perseverance;
- modelling healthy ways to manage difficult emotions; and
- speaking to school promptly if they notice changes in their child’s behaviour, sleep, appetite or confidence.
Further advice and support is available through:
- East Riding Family Help
- East Riding Mental Health Support Teams
- MHST support and resources for parents and carers
- Families Information Service Hub
Please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance if you have concerns. We will listen, work with you and help identify the most appropriate support.