At Crowle First School we believe that for every child to achieve their best, they have to be fit and well (both physically and mentally).  We recognise that life can be difficult for children, at times, and we are here to work with every child, and their family to ensure support is put in place to help them with whatever is causing them upset.  We care, because you care.

As a school, each member of staff is committed to the mental health and well being of every pupil.  We have a nurturing, loving environment that children feel they can talk to all staff members regarding any problems they may feel they are facing.  

Every year we also have a whole school "Health and Wellbeing Day" with the overarching theme of "healthy body/healthy mind."  We invite people in to work with our children to to give them strategies for if they are feeling anxious, worried or down.  Examples of some of the visitors we have previously invited in are:

• Pet Therapy - how to use your pet if you feel anxious
• Story Massage
• Yoga and Relaxation
• First Aid Classes
• Healthy eating workshops 
• Sport Therapy - how to use sport to support your emotions

Every week we have Charlotte from Relax Kids who works with us.  Charlotte is fantastic with our children, she works with them in small groups or on a 1:1 basis, giving them the time and freedom to talk about anything they may have on their mind and working on strategies to support them.

Charlotte then offers a Relax Kids after school club to all children, should they wish to attend.  This group is all about yoga, meditation, relaxation and enabling children to have strategies for if they feel overwhelmed etc. 

We also access support from our school link worker Louise Auty.  Louise comes in to school to work with children, to talk to them about their emotions; to recognise what they are and how they can support themselves if they are feeling low.

We also access "Reach 4 Wellbeing" which is a Worcestershire project that the parent and child attend together; to talk about feelings of anxiety and how they can work together as a family to support their child.  This has always had excellent feedback and has been a really great resource for our families.

If you feel that you, or your child, is suffering at the moment (no matter how small you think the issue is)  then please do not hesitate to email the Headteacher (who is also the Mental Health First Aid trained member of staff) on martina.abbott@crowle.dowmat.education to discuss this and we can support you through this time.