At Rise Park Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to supporting the positive mental health and well-being of our whole school community. We believe that mental health and well-being is just as vital to our lives as physical health and is everyone’s responsibility. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us feel vulnerable and, at times throughout our lives, anyone may need additional emotional support. Our view is that positive mental health is in everybody’s interest and that we all have a role to play.
At our school we:
- Help children to understand their emotions and feelings
- Ensure children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries with staff
- Support children to form and maintain relationships
- Encourage self-esteem and ensure children know that they are unique individuals
- Inspire children to be confident and to be independent free speakers without judgement
- Help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage difficult challenges
We offer different levels of well-being support for our children:
Tier 1: To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum.
Tier 2: For those who may have short-term needs and those who may feel vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement. For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions, such as nurture provision, work with an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) or drawing and talking.
Tier 3: For those who may need support from other professionals we offer MHST (mental health support team) CAMHS, BEHMS. This includes making referrals.
Lead staff members
Gina Scholten: Mental Health and Well-being Lead
Julia Lamb and Susan Watts – ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants)
Julia Lamb – Drawing and Talking
Trained in theraplay principles
- Amanda Hall
- Susan Watts
- Natalie Hobsters
- Tina Palin
- Amanda Koulouri
- Maria Kasza
- Sue Richmond
- Alison Bragg
Wellbeing Team
We have a Well-being Team who meet regularly and represent both children and staff. We strongly believe that well-being should be embedded in every aspect of school life, to promote a happy and healthy school community.
Useful Links and Contacts
Be U Support | Free Mental Health Service for Children and Young People
Resources for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants – ELSA Support
Social prescribing can support you with your mental health, Housing, benefits and financial support, employment, training, social activities and support groups. To access this support you need to be a patient at the following GP practices:
St Albans Medical Centre
Leen Valley Medical Centre
Parkside Medical Centre
Rise Park Medical Centre
Southglade Medical Centre
Referrals can be arranged through the reception team at your GP practice or speak to Mrs Lamb in school.
