At Silver Birch Primary School, we believe that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, valued and supported. Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do because we know that positive mental health plays a vital role in children's learning, relationships, confidence and future success.

Children today face many challenges as they navigate an increasingly complex and ever-changing world. We are committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels listened to, understood and empowered to talk about their feelings. We aim to help our pupils develop the skills they need to build resilience, manage emotions and maintain positive mental health throughout their lives.

We recognise that emotional wellbeing is closely linked to academic achievement, attendance, behaviour and overall life satisfaction. By promoting positive mental health across our school community, we help children to flourish both personally and academically.

Early Help Support

We are proud to work closely with Donna, our Early Help practitioner, who is based in school every Monday and Wednesday. Donna provides valuable support for children, families and staff, offering advice, guidance and early intervention when additional support may be needed.

Early Help can provide assistance with a range of concerns, including:

• Emotional wellbeing and mental health
• Attendance and school engagement
• Family support and parenting advice
• Behavioural concerns
• Friendship and social difficulties
• Access to wider community services

If you feel your child or family may benefit from additional support, please speak to a member of staff or contact the school office. We are always here to help.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

At Silver Birch Primary School, we believe that prevention is key. We strive to reduce the stigma around discussing mental health and encourage open, honest conversations about feelings and wellbeing.

We support children in developing:

Knowing Emotions

Recognising and understanding feelings as they happen.

Managing Emotions

Learning strategies to cope with worries, anxieties and challenges.

Self-Motivation

Developing confidence, perseverance and emotional self-control.

Empathy

Understanding and appreciating the feelings of others.

Positive Relationships

Building respectful, caring and supportive relationships.

myHappymind

At Silver Birch Primary School, we are proud to deliver the myHappymind programme throughout school. This whole-school mental health and wellbeing curriculum helps children understand how their brains work and develop positive habits that support lifelong mental health, resilience and happiness.

The programme is built around five key modules:

• Meet Your Brain – understanding how the brain works and how emotions can be managed.
• Celebrate – developing confidence, self-esteem and a positive sense of self.
• Appreciate – encouraging gratitude and focusing on the positives in life.
• Relate – building healthy relationships and developing empathy.
• Engage – encouraging healthy habits that support wellbeing and learning.

Through myHappymind, children learn practical strategies to manage emotions, overcome challenges, develop resilience and embrace a positive mindset, helping them to flourish both in school and beyond.

Yoga and Mindfulness

As part of our commitment to supporting the whole child, we also provide opportunities for children to take part in yoga and mindfulness activities.

Yoga offers a wealth of benefits for children, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging calmness, self-awareness and emotional regulation. It supports children in becoming more mindful by recognising their feelings and emotions and developing strategies to respond positively.

Regular yoga practice can also:

• Improve concentration and focus
• Enhance memory and learning skills
• Develop balance, flexibility and posture
• Support physical health and wellbeing
• Promote relaxation and emotional resilience

Alongside yoga, we encourage children to practise mindfulness. Mindfulness helps children focus on the present moment, allowing thoughts and feelings to come and go without judgement. By developing mindfulness skills, children can build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships, improve wellbeing and better manage the pressures of everyday life.

We also encourage families to explore yoga and mindfulness activities at home. 

How We Support Wellbeing

Our wellbeing provision is embedded throughout school life through our Relationships, Health and PSHE curriculum, assemblies, pastoral support and daily interactions. We also use approaches such as the Zones of Regulation to help children identify, understand and communicate their emotions effectively.

Through these strategies, pupils learn to:

• Recognise and understand their emotions
• Talk openly about how they are feeling
• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Build resilience when facing challenges
• Seek support when they need it
• Show kindness, empathy and respect to others
• Build positive friendships and relationships

Our aim is for every child to feel confident, supported and able to manage their wellbeing both in school and beyond.

Resources and Further Support

For further information, please view:
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Policy
Children's Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Pack
Mindfulness: Tips and Exercises
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
The Childhood Bereavement Network
Mentally Healthy Schools

If you are concerned about your child's mental health and require urgent support, please contact:

• Mental Health Crisis Team: 0191 566 5500
• NHS 111: Dial 111 (free from any phone)