At Higher Failsworth Primary School we believe that good social, emotional and mental wellbeing can create the foundations for healthy behaviours and educational attainment. This is embedded in all aspects of our wide, varied and inclusive curriculum, as outlined in our Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing Policy.
Our Safeguarding and Pastoral manager works closely with our SENCO and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) teaching assistant to support the needs of children and parents in a variety of ways.
We use Oldham’s whole school approach, ‘Supporting Young Minds Through Tough Times’ to review and plan our practice and work closely with families, outside agencies and the children themselves to promote effective emotional health and mental wellbeing awareness, guidance, support and or intervention.
Place 2 Be
“Oh she has definitely changed…in the way she feels about her school life, her home life, and just the way she is in herself – she is a lot happier” – Parent
“Place2Be helps you feel less angry, make friends, get more confident, sort out your problems, make you feel special, make everything better.” – Year 5 pupil
What difference does Place2Be make in your child’s school?
Place2Be is a national charity working in over 390 (2018/19) UK schools to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. We help children to develop resilience by supporting them when they are experiencing challenging life issues and helping them to develop self-confidence and lifelong coping skills. When they are supported in this way, they are able to learn more easily and that means less worry for parents.
How we help children
All pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. These short lunchtime sessions are open to individuals and to groups.
Place2Be also works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. The school will often refer children for this service.
How we help families
We routinely meet with parents to discuss any concerns they may have about their children. Place2Be also run A Place for Parents, offering adults counselling support for any issues they may have.
How we help schools
Place2Be also supports teachers and school staff members to think through the emotional needs of children and advises and supports the school leadership which helps the whole school to thrive.
How Place2Be works
There is a special Place2Be room inside the school where children can go to express and think about their worries, through talking, creative work and play. Adults that are qualified to work therapeutically, called School Project Managers, support this process, helping children to find new ways of coping with difficulties so they don’t get in the way of friendships or learning.
Times when we’re especially useful
There are times when children feel particularly sad, confused, fearful or angry, due to, for example, family challenges such as separation or illness, or even the death of a much-loved pet. Some children may become withdrawn; others may become demanding or challenging in their behaviour: that’s when having Place2Be in school is especially helpful.
Who is eligible for Place2Be?
Any child or parent requiring emotional support for any reason.
Any questions?
You are welcome to talk to your Place2Be School Project Manager, either face-to-face or via telephone or email. At Higher Failsworth Primary School, our School Project Manager is Katie Greaves, who works on Wednesday and Thursday. You can contact her via email on: katie.greaves@place2be.org.uk or telephoning the school reception on a Wednesday or Thursday.
To find out more about Place2Be, please visit their website www.place2be.org.uk
MyHappyMind
MyHappyMind is an award winning program for schools & nurseries, families and organisations. It teaches preventative habits that support positive mental health, resilience and self esteem. All of the concepts taught are based on science and research and grounded in neuroscience and positive psychology. Our program is delivered via an innovative technology platform making learning easy, convenient and fun.My Happy Mind is commissioned by the NHS up and down the U.K. due to the incredible impact the program has on reducing CAMHS referrals along with the overall improvements to the wellbeing of children, staff and parents.
Please click here for more information
TOG Mind
TOG Mind provides a variety of low-level emotional health and wellbeing support services for children and young people aged 8-18 years and their families in Oldham.
During the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, access to services across all boroughs is provided via online and telephone services.
- Phone: 0161 330 9223
- Email: take5@togmind.org
- Website: www.togmind.org
Healthy Young Minds
Healthy Young Minds is a specialist service for children who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties, symptoms suggestive of a mental health disorder.
Online resources
- www.kooth.com – Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
- Sophie Lancaster Foundation – Information about challenging prejudice and intolerance
- SilverCloud (Aged 16 years+) – Online programmes to help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience. You can choose to use any of the programmes. They are self-help, confidential and secure.
- Living Life to the Full – Online courses to help improve low mood, overcome stress, sleep better and build confidence. Materials have been designed to improve feelings and beat stress. Instant access to self-help support is available online and totally free of charge if you live in Greater Manchester. The resources are available in 18 languages.
- Free digital mental wellbeing support – Join the community and access free, safe and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes: Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals; Self-help tools and activities; Online community