Mental Health and Wellbeing

We are sure that you have read or heard about the growing concerns regarding the mental health and wellbeing of both children and adults. According to the World Health Organisation, “Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”. We know the importance of mental health and wellbeing and the adverse effects that poor mental health and wellbeing can have on social interaction, self-confidence and academic progress. At The King’s (The Cathedral) School we are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to all pupils, their families and members of staff and governors. Our open culture allows pupils’ voices to be heard, and through the use of effective policies and procedures we ensure a safe and supportive environment for all affected - both directly and indirectly.

Our Commitments

• The King’s School is committed to promoting and protecting emotional wellbeing and mental health;
• The King’s School has a clear vision and strategy for promoting and protecting emotional wellbeing and mental health, which is communicated to all involved within our School;
• The King’s School has a positive culture which regards emotional wellbeing and mental health as the responsibility of all;
• The King’s School actively promotes staff emotional wellbeing and mental health;
• The King’s School prioritises professional learning and staff development on emotional wellbeing and mental health;
• The King’s School understands the different types of emotional and mental health needs across the School and has systems in place to respond appropriately;
• The King’s School actively seeks the ongoing participation of the whole-school community in its approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health;
• The King’s School works in partnerships with other schools, agencies and available specialist services to support emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Current Information regarding the Situation in Ukraine

Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine (Childnet)
https://www.childnet.com/blog/supporting-your-child-with-upsetting-content/

We should not hide from children what is happening in Ukraine (Schools Week/Children's Commissioner)
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/we-should-not-hide-from-children-what-is-happening-in-ukraine/

How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety (Metro)
https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/how-to-talk-to-children-about-whats-happening-in-ukraine-16163133/

Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation (Department for Education)
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-to-pupils-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-help-them-avoid-misinformation/

Information produced previously about War and International Violence

How and when to talk to children about war, according to a parenting expert (Independent)
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/children-war-talk-russia-ukraine-b2023695.html

How to cope with traumatic news - an illustrated guide (ABC News, Australia)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/illustrated-guide-coping-traumatic-news/5985104

Talking with Children About War and Violence in the World (Family Education, USA)
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/wars/talking-children-about-war-violence-world

Tips for parents and caregivers on media coverage of traumatic events (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, USA)
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/tips-parents-and-caregivers-media-coverage-traumatic-events

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Presentation Recording (Vanessa Brown, 25 March 2021 - 205Mb)
Presentation Slideshow
Presentation Notes