Wellbeing

At Holy Trinity we try to be a mentally healthy school. We teach our community about the five ways to look after our wellbeing. We link these with our school values – Aspiration, Love and Community.

Zones of Regulation

‘The Zones of Regulation’™ is a book by Leah Kuypers and is an approach used to support the development of self-regulation in children. All the different ways children feel, and the states of alertness they experience, are categorised into four coloured zones which children find easier to communicate with teachers and parents / carers. Children who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time. We use this method from Nursery through to Year 6.

Wellbeing Partners

We have partnerships with organisations to promote wellbeing and support the mental health of our community:

The Trailblazer Initiative

As part of the Trailblazer Initiative we are able to offer online resources and small group sessions for pupils and workshops for staff and parents.

Through this initiative we have access to the Mental Health Support Team, part of the Emotional Health Team at Achieving for Children, with our own dedicated Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner and a Music Therapist who works for two 6-8 week periods throughout the year.

Child Counsellor Therapist at Holy Trinity

We are fortunate to have built a relationship with a Child Counsellor/Psychotherapist, Fleur Milsom, who works with us running Wellbeing Warriors a twice weekly therapeutic freestyle art space, where we invite groups of children (20 max); a lunch time drop in session that offers a quiet space, relaxing music and aromatherapy where children may express feelings and talk about any worries.

Fleur also offers Therapeutic Parenting Conversations.

“When children are struggling at home or at school, parents and caregivers can sometimes feel frustrated, isolated and defeated. I am a qualified child psychotherapist who can think non-judgmentally with you about what your child’s behaviour might be communicating. From there we can explore different perspectives and discuss practical strategies for making things easier for you and for your child. In my work I draw on psychological theories and simple, accessible brain science. I believe that as a parent you know your child best of all and are therefore best placed to support them. My role then, is to offer you a helpful space to think and gain ideas so that you may feel better equipped and more empowered.”

You can contact Fleur on fleurlcharris@gmail.com

Riverbank

Riverbank is a Christian charity supporting and equipping vulnerable single mothers of all faiths and none through long-term emotional and practical support in partnership with church communities. A Riverbank Community Outreach Worker comes into school one day per week to work with vulnerable pupils through activities that include chat, art and play. Pupils gain greater confidence and emotional literacy, better able to make sense of their feelings, helping to build resilience and improve wellbeing. Parents gain bespoke support in a variety of ways. The school refers pupils to Riverbank on a case-by-case basis and Riverbank reviews each referral for eligibility, always seeking to be able to support where possible.

Parental Workshops and Online Resources

Our weekly School Newsletter will provide you with information of upcoming workshops and coffee mornings run by our Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner. We also try to target individuals for inclusion in particular groups, with contact from your child’s class teacher.

The MHST Emotional Health Service slides:

Managing Anxiety – Slides of the Anxiety Workshop/Coffee Shop for Parents
Transition back to school post COVID-19 (narrated slides – to be watched using powerpoint)
Deep breathing exercises for children

Additional Resources

The DFE has issued Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The following organisations offer information and support on mental health and wellbeing:

Young people can get free, confidential support at any time from government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by:

texting SHOUT to 85258
calling Childline on 0800 1111
calling The Mix on 0808 808 4994
text THEMIX 85258