Evidence tells us that emotional wellbeing and positive mental health are of central importance to children’s learning and attainment, with high levels of wellbeing associated with improved academic outcomes and success in life. The National Institute for Health Care Excellence is clear in its advice to schools, that developing a ‘Whole School Approach’ to promoting positive mental health has shown clear benefits in contributing to the emotional wellbeing of children. This approach goes beyond teaching and learning and pervades all aspects of the life of the school, bringing the entire school community together to create an inclusive, supportive and nurturing environment. 

At St John Rigby, we recognise Positive Mental Health & Wellbeing as “the emotional and spiritual resilience” which enables us to feel safe, supported and able to thrive; this includes feeling able to reach one's potential, to cope with the stresses of everyday life and to contribute to the community in a positive way.

It is our aim that emotional wellbeing and positive mental health is considered by our whole school community, so that all pupils and staff are able to maintain positive wellbeing and mental health and achieve the best possible outcomes in life, no matter what the circumstances are.

We are committed to promoting the positive mental health and emotional wellbeing of all our pupils through a whole-school approach that is embedded in everyday practice.

Senior Mental Health Lead: Mrs M McGettigan (Headteacher)                                            Mental Health First Aider: Mrs M McLoughlin (Inclusion and Family Support)

SJR Whole School Approach to Wellbeing & Mental Health

 

Supporting Pupil's Mental Health & Wellbeing 

• Emotional Wellness                                We support pupils to recognise, understand, and manage their feelings and emotions, helping them to develop strong emotional awareness and self-understanding. By encouraging pupils to be present in the moment and to notice what is happening around them, they learn to make positive choices guided by their values and motivations. This heightened awareness builds resilience and supports the development of healthy coping skills, enabling pupils to understand, express, and regulate their emotions when faced with challenges. Opportunities for development are embedded throughout the curriculum and daily school life through age-appropriate activities such as stories, discussion and supportive adult–pupil interactions. Through these consistent experiences, pupils develop emotional literacy, confidence in sharing their feelings, and the skills needed to reflect on their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.  (Linked to Place – Take Notice)

• Intellectual Wellness
  Pupils are encouraged to develop resilience when facing challenges and to approach learning with a positive, problem-solving mindset. They are supported to think critically and creatively, viewing mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth. A strong emphasis on talk for learning fosters meaningful intellectual exchange, collaboration, and deeper learning. This is developed through our Learning Powers, Oracy building and Masters of Learning, which equip pupils to become confident, resourceful, resilient, and reflective learners.  (Linked to Mind – Keep Learning)

• Spiritual Wellness 
  We actively promote self-belief and self-worth, ensuring that every pupil knows they matter and feels valued within our school community. Through meaningful opportunities for success, recognition, and responsibility, pupils are supported to grow in confidence and self-esteem, knowing that they matter. A strong sense of purpose, service to others, and spiritual growth is nurtured through Catholic Social Teaching and our Virtues to Live By, helping pupils to recognise their own worth and understand that everyone has the ability to make a positive contribution to the wider community. (Linked to Spirit – Giving)

• Social Wellness 
  Pupils are supported to talk openly in a safe and trusting environment, where their voices are listened to. There is a strong emphasis on communication and understanding others’ perspectives in order to build and maintain positive relationships, developing empathy, compassion, and respect for others. A strong sense of belonging and community is central to our school ethos; these values are embedded within our positive behaviour and relationships policy and underpin our expectations across school life so that everybody develops a sense of belonging  and feels valued.  (Linked to People – Connect)

• Physical Wellness 
  We encourage active lifestyles, healthy habits, and self-care, recognising the importance of physical activity, rest, and wellbeing in supporting pupils’ readiness to learn and overall mental health. Healthy Me weeks across each term support pupils to understand how to keep themselves fit and well by embracing a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, proper nutrition, downtime and adequate sleep. This is further developed through PE lessons and the school's approach to Outdoor Play and Learning.                                          (Linked Body – Being Active)

• Environmental Wellness 
  Pupils are encouraged to develop respect for the environment and a strong sense of moral responsibility for the planet, experiencing the emotional benefits of contributing meaningfully to the world around them. Through purposeful learning and action, they build an understanding of sustainability, stewardship, and their role in caring for the environment. Guided by Laudato Si’ and the principle of Caring for the Common Good, our whole-school approach to Living Simply, Living in Solidarity, and Living Sustainably empowers pupils to take practical action that protects the planet, promotes social and environmental justice, and fosters a shared sense of collective responsibility. In doing so, pupils gain confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and feel part of a supportive, values-driven community. (Linked Planet – Care)

 

Supporting Staff's Mental Health & Wellbeing 

At SJR, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Good staff wellbeing is essential for cultivating a mentally healthy school, for retaining and motivating staff and for promoting pupil wellbeing and attainment. As school staff juggle a multitude of different tasks and demands, it is important that  everyone is given the right emotional and practical support so that they can, in turn, support their pupils.

In addition to having a positive impact on colleagues and children, staff wellbeing can improve performance and job satisfaction, which can lead to reduced staff turnover. It can also help to reduce absence (both short and long term), increase productivity and promote staff engagement.

Promoting and Supporting Staff Wellbeing which is a priority for the school. Our approach to Staff Development to support health and wellbeing considers:

• Leadership commitment to a workplace wellbeing charter that also considers workload demands and supports staff to gain work-life harmony, as well as regular measurement of staff wellbeing to monitor and respond to changes as required.
• Supporting staff to champion their own wellbeing, offering professional development around managing wellbeing and mental health, as well as signposting to resources, including the Trust's Employee Assistance Programme Provider (see below)
• Empowering staff through ongoing training to increase their knowledge of mental health and wellbeing, enable them to recognise mental health difficulties in the school community, as well as consider appropriate actions to take if they are concerned about one of their pupils.

 

Supporting Parents/Carers with Mental Health & Wellbeing 

We recognise that families play a central role in shaping children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Positive parenting, nurturing relationships, and a supportive home environment are key influences on a pupil’s emotional, social, and academic development. We also understand that parents and carers may face their own challenges, and that supporting family wellbeing contributes directly to the wellbeing of all pupils.

As a school, we value parent partnership and recognise its importance in achieving positive educational outcomes and promoting mental health. We support parents and carers through a combination of universal and targeted interventions, addressing emotional, parenting, and practical life situations. This is achieved through:

• Fostering open communication and involvement
  We maintain clear and accessible channels of communication, encouraging parents and carers to participate in school activities, events, and decision-making where appropriate, ensuring they feel informed and connected to school life.

• Providing resources and guidance
  Parents are offered resources and guidance to actively engage in their child’s learning, helping them support their child’s academic progress and emotional development at home.

• Engaging parents in our whole-school approach to wellbeing
  We ensure parents are aware of the school’s approach to promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing. This includes clear communication about the school and local support offers, provision mapping, and signposting to internal and external resources to meet a variety of family needs.

• Empowering parents to support mental health
  Through school-led workshops, training sessions, and collaborative initiatives with the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) and parent–community partnerships, we equip parents with the knowledge and practical strategies to support their children’s mental health, as well as their own emotional wellbeing.

By working in partnership with families, we aim to create a consistent, supportive environment between home and school, ensuring that children and young people are equipped to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. 

For more information on how you can support your child, click here