Mental Health & Wellbeing at St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School
Our Commitment to Wellbeing
At St Mary Magdalen’s, we take mental health and wellbeing very seriously. We are deeply committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We recognise that everyone experiences life challenges, and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support.
We believe that positive mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play in creating a safe, nurturing and emotionally literate school community.
Our wellbeing practice is rooted in Catholic values and is interwoven through our curriculum, daily routines and staff development
What We Do
At our school, we:
Help children understand their emotions and feelings better.
Create a safe space for children to share worries and concerns.
Support children in forming healthy and lasting relationships.
Promote self-esteem and help children recognise their value.
Encourage children to be confident and celebrate their identity.
Help pupils develop emotional resilience and manage setbacks.
Working in Partnership with Brilliant School to develop Whole School Wellbeing.
Our Curriculum Drivers and Wellbeing
Our Place in the World
We teach pupils to become resilient, optimistic and emotionally literate individuals who understand their place in the world.
Language and Oracy
Through the Just Right, Empowerment approaches and Oracy children learn to express emotions with confidence and clarity.
Learning Skills
Our wellbeing work reinforces key learning traits such as empathy, perseverance, self-regulation and kindness.
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Children learn strategies to manage worries and build habits that support lifelong emotional and physical health.
Our Wellbeing Offer: A Tiered Approach
We offer levels of support to meet the diverse needs of our school community:
Universal Support
Whole-school use of class ‘green zones’ to support emotional regulation, Just Right and Empowerment Approach
Green Club at break times.
Weekly Wellbeing Wednesdays (e.g., slippers/no-shoes day and a wellbeing activity).
Staff modelling positive language and behaviour.
Participation in themed weeks (e.g. World Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week).
Wellbeing workshops for children and Parents from Brilliant Schools who we are working in partnership with.
Access to wellbeing activities for children, staff and parents on the Brilliant Schools website.
Sharing celebrations and tips via Instagram and newsletter.
Additional Support
Pastoral time with trusted adults.
Soft landings e.g. breakfast club and wrap around care.
Empowerment coaching intervention.
Whole class support from Primary Mental Health Worker.
Targeted Support
Primary Mental Health Worker.
1:1 or small group interventions.
SEND personalised plans.
Referrals to other services including mental health services.
Understanding Mental Wellbeing
Everyone has times when they feel low, stressed, anxious, or find it hard to cope. We help pupils identify and name these feelings, normalise seeking help, and use practical strategies to support mental health.
Common life experiences that can affect wellbeing include:
Loss or bereavement
Change in family situation
Moving home or school
Friendship difficulties
Illness or trauma
We are here to support children and families through these times
Useful Wellbeing Links
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Young Minds – Mental health support and advice for children and parents
Childline – Free 24/7 confidential helpline for children and young people
Place2Be – Mental health support in schools
Anna Freud Centre – Resources and toolkits for children’s wellbeing
Parent & Family Support
Family Lives – Support for parenting challenges, relationships and wellbeing
Action for Children – Practical and emotional support for families
BBC Bitesize Wellbeing – Wellbeing activities and support for primary pupils
NSPCC – Support for Parents – Guidance on supporting children's mental health
Faith & Spiritual Wellbeing
CAFOD – Children’s Resources – Resources to support spiritual development and Catholic Social Teaching
Thy Kingdom Come – Prayer and reflection tools for families
Mindfulness & Coping Tools
GoNoodle – Movement and mindfulness activities for children
Cosmic Kids – Yoga and relaxation tailored to children
Smiling Mind – Guided meditation for children and families
Online Safety & Digital Wellbeing
Internet Matters – Mental Wellbeing Online
Thinkuknow – Keeping children safe online
Childnet – Online safety for children and families