The Department for Education (DfE) recognises that “in order to help their pupils succeed, schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy”. Here at Frenchay Primary School we embrace a whole school approach where all staff value and recognise the need to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in every child and adult. We place great importance on developing the whole child academically, socially and emotionally. The skills needed throughout life can be taught and learnt at any age; all aspects of a child and young person’s experience in and out of school, contribute to their personal and social development and, as a school, we feel that it is essential that we share this role with parents, carers and families.

Who are the Wellbeing Team? 

• Mrs Sharon Murdoch – Wellbeing Lead for Pupils and ELSA
• Miss Rebecca Pickering - PSHE Lead 
• Mr Michael Backett - Wellbeing lead for staff 
• Mrs Bernadette Lake - Wellbeing Team 

All of the staff at Frenchay Primary School play a fundamental role in the wellbeing of our pupils and their families. 

How do we provide wellbeing support at Frenchay Primary School? 

• Wellbeing Team help to co-ordinate wellbeing activities and resources accessible for both pupils and staff.
• Family support is offered in school to parents/carers through a variety of ways including behaviour support links, ELSA TA
• Our aim is to help in signposting pupils and families to appropriate support, agencies and professionals outside of school.
• Wellbeing information is shared, where appropriate, to relevant members of staff regularly.
• Individual work and group interventions for pupils around issues such as;
  • behaviour
  • self-esteem
  • anger management
  • bereavement
  • family breakdowns
  • anxiety
  • social communication
• All staff are kept up to date with training such as mental health, safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children.
• Intervention groups and 1:1 sessions to support children’s emotional development

Frenchay has a multifaceted, proactive approach to supporting our children and their families, including:

• A team of trained Safeguarding Leads;
• Teaching assistants who support specific, emotionally vulnerable children;
• Trained ELSA, who run one-to-one sessions with specific individuals;
• PSHE Scheme that promotes a ‘mindfulness’ approach to lessons;
• Annual workshops, events and assemblies run by NSPCC and other outside agencies;
• A range of health and sporting activities across the curriculum and in after-school clubs.