Armthorpe Tranmoor Primary School

At Tranmoor Primary School, we are committed to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of our school community, for adults as well as children. We pursue this aim using both universal and whole school approaches, as well as specialised targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable pupils. We have a supportive and caring ethos and our approach is to be respectful and kind, where each individual and contribution is valued. At our school we know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody's business and that we all have a role to play.

A Trauma Informed Approach is underpinned by relationship, and it is vital that all staff are mindful of the trauma that some children may have experienced. As a school we are aware of the long-term mental and physical health associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It is our aim to maximise the protective factors that create a culture of safety. Through positive relationships we can support children to understand and manage their emotions appropriately. We do this by using key elements from the Trauma Informed Schools UK model (TISUK): PROTECT, RELATE, REGULATE, and REFLECT. Using these elements within our interactions will help children to build resilience, help to repair trauma and build positive relationships.

The role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is to be a point of contact for a member of staff who is experiencing signs or symptoms of a mental health issue, or emotional distress. They are able to provide early intervention help through non-judgemental listening and guidance, and if needed they will encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies.

In school we have a number of Y5 and Y6 pupils who have become a Pupil Well-Being Champion. A Well-Being Champion is someone

who is responsible for leading and promoting positive mental health and well-being throughout school. They are pupils that children can go to if they feel upset or worried, and they will help them to find a grown up. A well-being champion's role is to encourage others to talk about their feelings, and if needed help them find ways to make themselves feel better. Pupil Well-Being Champions are also responsible for providing pupil voice feedback.

Children's Mental Health week will take place from 6-12^th February 2023. This year's theme is 'Let's Connect'.  Within school during the week, each day we will look at a different strand of this theme.