The mental health, emotional wellbeing, and physical health of all members of our school community, children, staff and parents/carers alike, are of paramount importance. We are a caring and inclusive community where every member is valued, treated with dignity and respect, and celebrated for what makes them unique.

We encourage children to develop an understanding of themselves and of others, fostering empathy, self-awareness, and positive relationships. We are committed to helping every child develop as a whole person— happy, confident, and ready to take the next steps in their education and beyond, regardless of their starting point.

Our whole-school approach supports positive mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, ensuring that all members of our community feel mentally healthy, supported, and empowered.

Universally, all staff are approachable, ready to listen, and provide support for children’s wellbeing. Class teachers and learning mentors build secure and caring relationships with pupils, offering learning opportunities and guidance that respond to individual needs.

In addition to class teams, specific staff members are always available to provide further support to children, staff and parents/carers ensuring that every child has access to the care, guidance, and reassurance they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Inclusion & Family Support Worker                                                                                                        Mrs McLoughlin works closely with parents/carers, and pupils across the school to provide practical, emotional, and social support, helping children to thrive both at home and in school by:

• Building Positive Relationships with Families
  Working closely with parents/carers, offering guidance, advice, and practical support to help children succeed, including helping families access local services, mental health resources, and parenting support.

• Supporting Pupils’ Wellbeing and Inclusion
  Providing one-to-one or small group support for emotional, social, or behavioural challenges, collaborating with teachers and staff to ensure children can fully engage in learning and develop confidence, resilience, and coping skills.

• Connecting Home and School
  Acting as a bridge between home and school to ensure that families are aware of school initiatives, workshops, and community resources that promote mental health and wellbeing. This partnership helps create a consistent, supportive environment for children.

• Collaborating with Experts and Services
  Liaising with external professionals, including mental health teams, social care, and health services, to provide tailored support for children and families.                                                                                                                                                             Mrs McLoughlin can be contacted via the school office: 01234 401900 (*4)           

Our Therapy Dog - Basil                                                                                                                  Basil is our fully trained therapy dog, playing a valuable role in supporting our pupils’ emotional wellbeing and mental health by providing calm, comfort, and reassurance within the school environment. Working under the guidance of his owner, Mrs Ball (SENDCo), Basil helps create a safe and nurturing space where pupils can feel relaxed and supported.

Interactions with Basil support emotional regulation, reduce feelings of anxiety or stress, and help our children feel settled and secure. His presence encourages positive social interactions, builds confidence, and supports pupils who may find it difficult to express their emotions. Time spent with Basil has also helped children to develop empathy, responsibility, and nurturing behaviours, contributing to a caring and inclusive school culture.

As part of our wider whole-school approach to wellbeing, Basil offers a gentle,            non-judgemental form of support that helps pupils feel valued, confident, and ready to learn. Basil has consistently proven to have a positive impact on the emotional wellbeing, mental health, and confidence of the children he supports.

Mental Health Support team                                                                                                                 At St John Rigby, we ar fortunate to have access to an early intervention service working in school to our pupils and their families as well as school staff. The aim is to help develop our whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Whilst also increasing accessibility to mental health services and raising awareness about children and young people’s mental health.
The MHST is made up of Senior CAMH's practitioner, CAMH's practitioners and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHP's).

Should you wish to discuss any concerns with the MHST, or to request Early Help support, please liaise with Mrs McLoughlin to arrange a referral.

External Referrals                                                                                                                              Referrals to Early Help at Bedford Borough, CHUMs and CAMHs and a range of other services can be accessed as required according to identified needs.

Safeguarding                                                                                                                                          Mental Health and Wellbeing support is an important part of Safeguarding. Mrs McLoughlin, Inclusion & Family Support Worker, and Mrs Ball, SENDCo, are also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leaders and form part of the Safeguarding team, led by Mrs McGettigan, Head teacher who is the school's Designated Safeguarding lead. All staff receive ongoing training in relation to safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing.

Please do get in touch with your child's class teacher, Mrs McLoughlin, or any of the Inclusion Team should you have any concern about the mental health and wellbeing of your child. We are always ready to listen and support.