Wellbeing
Our Mental Health Lead is - Mr James Goodland
Our Pastrol Lead is - Lorraine Law
Our wellbeing Governor is - Mrs L Robins
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Harewood Infant School, we know our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. In our school, we learn about how important it is to talk about our feelings and emotions. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and, at times, anyone may need additional emotional support.
We know we can do these things when our minds are feeling happy and healthy..
Here are some activities and ideas to support positive mental health and wellbeing:
Mental Health : Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning
dfe-physical-health-and-mental-wellbeing-primary-and-secondary-gov.uk.pdf
At Harewood Infant School, we promote positive ways of wellbeing in the following 5 ways:
Connect
Every morning and afternoon, members of staff are available on the playground to speak with families, providing regular opportunities for communication and support. We also host weekly parent drop-in sessions on Friday mornings, where families are invited into school to share and celebrate their children's learning by looking through their work together.
Throughout the year, we offer a range of parent workshops, giving families the chance to take part in activities alongside their children, such as coding, biscuit decorating and junk modelling. We are proud of our strong links with the local community; for example, Pastor David from Grange Baptist Church regularly visits to read with the children. In addition, we welcome a variety of visitors and workshop providers who enrich the children's learning experiences and broaden their understanding of the wider world.
Give
Throughout the year, we provide a variety of opportunities for children to support charitable causes and develop a sense of social responsibility. In recent years, we have raised funds for charities including the Great Western Air Ambulance, Teckels Animal Sanctuary and the National Kidney Federation. During the autumn term, children and their families also contribute donations to the local Food Bank, helping to support members of our wider community.
Kindness, empathy and respect are at the heart of school life. Children are encouraged to recognise and celebrate one another’s strengths through our Ruby Power Gem, which promotes positive relationships and mutual appreciation. By acknowledging the achievements and qualities of others, children not only enhance the wellbeing of those around them but also develop their own confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Take Notice
We help children to understand that taking notice extends beyond observing the world around us; it also involves being aware of the emotions and needs of others. We encourage children to show empathy, kindness and support, helping to create a caring and inclusive community.
Be Active
As well as taking part in two PE lessons each week, children have a variety of opportunities to engage in competitive sport and celebrate their achievements through events such as bench-ball tournaments, dance showcases and inter-school competitions. We offer a wide range of extracurricular sporting clubs, including football, multi-skills, dance, bench-ball, gymnastics and cross-country running, enabling children to develop their confidence, teamwork and physical skills.
Children also greatly enjoy their Forest School sessions, which provide valuable opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration. Through activities such as den building, nature investigations, tool use, scavenger hunts and environmental projects, children develop resilience, problem-solving skills and independence. Forest School encourages children to take managed risks, work collaboratively and build a deeper appreciation of the natural world, while supporting both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Keep Learning
At Harewood Infant School, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our rich and engaging curriculum inspires children to be curious and enthusiastic learners, while our Learning Gems help them recognise their own strengths and learning behaviours. By understanding themselves as learners, children develop confidence, resilience and a growth mindset, supporting both their achievement and their wellbeing.
We are a My Happy Mind school. The children all have weekly sessions focusing on developing skills to support positive mental health and wellbeing. My Happy Mind is an award winning, NHS backed program, designed to teach children lifelong mental health skills, resilience and wellbeing habits. My Happy Mind is a preventative, evidence based program that empowers children with the knowledge, skills and habits to maintain positive mental health and thrive in life.
Overview: My Happy Mind (myHappymind) is a structured program for schools, nurseries, families, and organisations that focusses on developing children's mental health, self-esteam and resilience through science based techniques grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology. it is delivered via a digital platform and in class activities, making learning engaging, convenient and fun.
Purpose: The program aims to equip children with preventative strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions and build confidence.
Structure: My Happy Mind uses five core modules across all year groups from Early Years to Year 6:
- Meet Your Brain: Understanding how the brain works and managing emotions.
- Celebrate: Recognising and celebrating personal strengths.
- Appreciate: Developing gratitude as a habit.
- Relate: Building positive relationships and friendships.
- Engage: Setting meaningful goals and maintaining resilience.
Impact: Evaluations show that myHappymind improves children's mental wellbeing, resilience and self-esteem while also positively influencing teachers and parents.
Useful links:
Lorraine Law - Family Support at Harewood
My Happy mind programme
Fun activities and resourses
Useful support information
Helping your child with anxiety
