Mental Health and Well-being at Ysgol Bro Carmel
At Ysgol Bro Carmel, the mental health and wellbeing of our children is at the heart of what we do. We want every child to feel safe, happy, valued and able to be themselves at school.
Children experience different emotions and challenges as they grow. By creating strong relationships, teaching children about their emotions and providing additional support when it is needed, we help our pupils develop the confidence, resilience and skills to look after their wellbeing.
We believe that children learn best when they feel that they belong.
Wellbeing Support in School
Sometimes children need a little extra support. This might be because of friendship difficulties, worries or anxiety, changes at home, bereavement, low confidence or simply because life feels difficult for a while.
Our first priority is making sure children know that there is someone in school who will listen.
ELSA – Emotional Literacy Support
Ysgol Bro Carmel has staff trained as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs). ELSA support can help children understand and communicate their emotions, develop confidence and self-esteem, manage worries and strengthen their social and emotional skills.
The programme is a school-based approach designed to help children and young people who have additional social and emotional needs. Originally developed by Educational Psychologist Sheila Burton, ELSA has since been adopted by educational psychology services across the UK.
ELSAs are teaching assistants who receive specialist training from Educational Psychologists. Training typically covers emotional literacy, emotional regulation, self-esteem, resilience, anxiety, social and friendship skills, and supporting children experiencing loss or bereavement. ELSAs also receive regular supervision from Educational Psychologists to support safe and effective practice.
ELSAs provide individual or small-group, targeted interventions, usually for a limited period. Programmes are tailored to each pupil and focus on specific goals, helping children develop emotional understanding, coping strategies, social skills and confidence. The aim is not to “fix” a child’s difficulties, but to help them develop skills and strategies to manage emotional and social challenges more effectively.
Targeted Pastoral Support
We can also provide targeted interventions according to the needs of individual children. Our pastoral provision includes approaches such as Lego Therapy, Friends Resilience and Talk Boost, alongside support from staff with experience of helping children through trauma, loss and bereavement.
Where further support may be appropriate, school can work with families, our ALNCo and relevant external services, including support available through the Local Authority.
Learning About Mental Health and Wellbeing
We want children to develop the knowledge and skills to look after their wellbeing before difficulties arise.
Personal and Social Education is taught throughout Ysgol Bro Carmel. Our approach supports children’s emotional literacy, resilience, self-esteem, relationships and understanding of their physical and mental health.
Children have regular opportunities to talk, reflect and learn strategies they can use when they encounter worries, difficult emotions or challenges.
Pupil Voice and Wellbeing
Our Mindfulness Ambassadors
Our pupils play an important role in promoting positive wellbeing across Ysgol Bro Carmel.
Our Mindfulness Ambassadors work alongside our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead to share ideas and help us consider how we can continue to support the wellbeing of children throughout the school.
They help ensure that wellbeing is something we talk about openly and positively and that children’s voices contribute to the way our provision develops.
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead is Mrs Metcalfe.
If you are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance or contact school. We would always encourage families to talk to us if something is affecting their child.
We can listen, discuss the support available in school and, where appropriate, help families identify additional sources of advice and support. Please do get in touch.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Families play an important part in children’s emotional wellbeing. Talking openly, listening without judgement and helping children name and understand their feelings can make a real difference.
If your child is worried or experiencing a difficult time, you do not need to have all the answers. Giving them time to talk, reassuring them that their feelings matter and letting school know when something may be affecting them can help us work together to provide consistent support.
Useful Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Where appropriate, Ysgol Bro Carmel works with relevant Local Authority and specialist services in Flintshire and North Wales to help children and families access additional mental health and wellbeing support.
There are organisations that provide information, advice and additional support for children, young people and families. We recommend using trusted, recognised services and seeking professional advice if you are concerned about your child’s mental health or wellbeing.
Useful Links
Below we have provided some useful links and resources (for adults and children) to ensure we
receive the support and advice we need:
Bereavement:
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
http://www.bereavement.co.uk/
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/north-west/wirral
Anxiety:
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
https://www.wirralccg.nhs.uk/news/feeling-low-anxious-or-stressed-refer-yourself-to-wirral-s-
mental-health-talking-therapies-service/
https://www.insighthealthcare.org/our-services/talking-therapies/find-a-service/wirral/
Mental Health:
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://www.mymind.org.uk/
https://www.wirralccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/mental-health/
E-Safety:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
We’re Here to Listen
No concern is too small to share. If something is affecting your child’s happiness, wellbeing or experience at school, please talk to us.
By working together with children and families, we can help our pupils feel safe, supported and ready to discover, learn and grow.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Frequently Asked Questions
Speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance or contact Ysgol Bro Carmel. Our staff can listen to your concerns and discuss the support that may be appropriate for your child.
Yes. Ysgol Bro Carmel has staff trained as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), who can provide individual or small-group support according to a child’s needs.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are supported throughout school life and through our PSE curriculum, including Jigsaw. Children learn about emotions, relationships, resilience, self-esteem and strategies for looking after their wellbeing.
Depending on a child’s individual needs, support may include ELSA, Lego Therapy, Friends Resilience, Talk Boost and support relating to trauma, grief or bereavement. Where appropriate, school can also work with relevant external professionals and services.
