Everybody has mental health. In our lives we cope with the normal stresses of life, we can be productive and able to contribute positively to our community but at times, we cannot. Our mental health can change throughout our lives often as a response to increased stress. At the Willows, we support your children gain awareness of their emotional and mental health states and to develop resilience, a protective factor in dealing with mental health issues.

We focus on developing children as well-rounded, happy, confident people. We follow the Five Rs whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing model, which fits with the NHS Five Ways to wellbeing model and is integrated throughout our whole school day in different ways. We also ensure we effectively target wellbeing, thoughts and feelings in our Jigsaw PSHE lessons. 

Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding your child’s well-being or mental health. We are not mental health professionals and cannot offer the services they are able to but we can provide support and empathy during the school day. One of our key aims is to foster a nurturing approach to positive behaviour, mental health and emotional well-being.

Please contact the safeguarding team or our Family Liaison Worker Mrs Downie if you would like to discuss any mental health concerns.

Many organisations can offer additional support and information for children and adults, below are some links you may find useful.

Description	Link
If you are worried that someone you know is suicidal, including your child, Samaritans provides advice on how you can support others.
Call Young Minds’ free Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544 for confidential, expert advice, if you have urgent concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing.
Young Minds - tips, advice and where to get support for your child’s mental health - parents can also access activity ideas
Action for Children - helps parents to spot the signs of poor mental health in their child and explains what to do to help
NSPCC - a range of advice on how to support your child if you are concerned that they may be struggling with their mental health
Every Mind Matters – simple and practical advice to support your mental health and wellbeing, including advice on looking after children and young people.
NHS England has published advice for parents, guardians and carers on how to help and support a child or young person