At Brecknock, we know the importance of prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of all of our children. We engage with professional bodies and events such as Children’s Mental Health Week, the NSPCC, Camden Mental Health Support Team and Place2Be.
Have a look at The Brecknock Ten resource to support children with mindfulness.
Within our PSHE curriculum, Health Education is prioritised. The children learn about the characteristics of good physical health and mental wellbeing and the equally important role that each of these play in our everyday lives. We explore the important role that physical health has on our mental health and vice versa. Health education supports our children to be happy, healthy and safe in their health-related choices and behaviours, both physically and mentally, now and in the future.
Children are taught to use the Zones of Regulation to support their ability to talk about their feelings. We also support the children in their mental health if they are online.
We hold regular parent workshops on online safety and mental health support.
We have a Pastoral Assistant, Child & Family Support Worker, ELSA trained staff and a dedicated Mental Health Lead in place to ensure we are offering support for children where needed.
Some useful links for families:
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-health-development/child-mental-health
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/blog/keeping-childrens-mental-health-safe-online
Healthy School
This is an important aspect of our school life, and we are delighted that Brecknock is recognised as a Healthy School.
The Healthy Schools Programme focuses on the following areas within school:
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Activity including active travel
- Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE)
- Emotional Health and Wellbeing
We ensure that all children eat at least one item of fruit or vegetables in school every day and our school dinners are appealing and well balanced nutritionally. Our ‘buddies’ monitor the healthiness of packed lunches as well. Please refer to our Packed Lunches policy.
As a school we place high value on outdoor education. We have an exciting rooftop garden which our classes have been using as part of their STEAM projects to grow their very own vegetables to share and take home! Families also collect freshly laid eggs from the Brecknock Barn!