Support in School

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Support in School

At Barnston Primary School, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and well-being for our entire school community, including students, staff, parents and caregivers. We recognise the vital role that parents and caregivers play in this journey. Just as physical health is essential, mental and emotional well-being are fundamental to everyday life and are at the heart of our school’s values.
 
We understand that children’s mental health is fundamental to their overall well-being and plays a significant role in their academic success. Persistent mental health challenges can create additional learning barriers; therefore, our commitment includes fostering resilience, helping them reach their full potential and ensuring they have access to support when needed. We also strive to educate children on the importance of positive mental health, reducing stigma, and recognising where to seek help.
 
At Barnston Primary School, our goals include:

● Helping children understand their emotions and feelings
● Creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing concerns
● Encouraging and maintaining meaningful relationships among peers
● Promoting self-esteem and recognising the unique value of every child
● Inspiring confidence and celebrating individuality
● Supporting emotional resilience and guiding children through challenges
● Empowering children to speak openly with trusted adults without fear of stigma
● Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against bullying
 
Wirral Mental Health Support Team
The Wirral Mental Health Support Team (MHST) is part of Wirral Children and Young People and Mental Health Services (CYPMHS), formerly known as CAMHS. This service is designed to support the mental health needs of children and young people within educational settings.

Within the MHST, Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Practitioners (CYWPs) and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs) provide support for mild to moderate mental health and well-being challenges. They also assist schools in developing a whole-school approach to mental health.

The MHST collaborates with all primary schools and eight mainstream secondary schools across Wirral. Referrals to the Wirral MHST are primarily made through the school’s Mental Health Lead (Miss Wright). If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being, please contact your child’s school MHL. With your consent, they can discuss your child’s needs with a CYWP or EMHP to determine the most suitable support, whether from our team, the school, or another local organisation.

https://www.mymind.org.uk/services-and-contacts/wirral-services/wirral-mental-health-support-teams

ELSA
What is ELSA Intervention?

An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a specialist trained to support the emotional well-being of children and young people in schools. With extensive experience working with children, ELSAs help them feel happy in school by identifying and addressing barriers to learning.

ELSA support focuses on emotional development, helping children build resilience and navigate life’s challenges. Rather than providing direct solutions, ELSAs guide children in finding their own ways to cope. Recognising the importance of relationships, ELSAs create a safe, nurturing, and reflective space where children can explore their emotions and develop confidence in managing their feelings.

What areas does an ELSA help with?

● Loss and bereavement
● Emotional Literacy
● Self-esteem
● Social Skills
● Friendship issues
● Relationships
● Managing strong feelings
● Anxiety and worries
● Bullying
● Conflict
● Emotional Regulation
● Growth Mindset
● Social and therapeutic stories
● Problem solving
How are children or young people referred for ELSA?
● Class teacher referral
● Sendco referral
● Parent referral through their school
● Child referral through their school
● Outside agency referral

https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/what-is-elsa-leaflet-for-parents/