Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (World Health Organization).
Schools have a central role to play in enabling their pupils to be resilient and to support good mental health and wellbeing. It is important that schools promote good mental wellbeing for all pupils. At Sarum St Paul’s CofE (VA) Primary School, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and student body. We pursue this aim using both universal, whole school approaches and specialised, targeted approaches aimed at vulnerable students.
The culture of a school can have a profound influence on both pupil and staff mental wellbeing. We have a whole school commitment to promoting wellbeing and this is lived through our school ethos and values: 'We create an inclusive, nurturing and hope-filled environment, built upon our Christian values of love, truthfulness, forgiveness and perseverance, which encourages kindness, respect and friendship.' Our approach is one that goes beyond the teaching in the classroom to pervade all aspects of school life including: culture, ethos and environment, teaching and partnerships with families and the community.
How Sarum St Paul's promotes wellbeing for all:
Click here to read our Positive Mental Health policy.
Click here to read our Graduated Response to Supporting Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing
"The headteacher is a committed and conscientious leader who recognises the importance of well-being and who cares for the whole school community. This approach is shared by all staff."
Diocesan Advisor September 2018.
Healthy Schools Award
We were delighted to have been awarded a silver Healthy Schools Award in October 2022. The Wiltshire Council programme is provided to support schools in addressing the health and wellbeing of children and young people. We demonstrated our commitment to actively promoting learning and healthy lifestyle choices, this award aims to build the capacity of schools to deliver effective and sustainable interventions for all children.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs)
An Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is a trained, school based learning support assistant. Their role is to support the emotional wellbeing of pupils. They are trained by a team of Educational Psychologists and receive ongoing group supervision. ELSAs work with children and young people either individually or in small groups and deliver bespoke interventions tailored to the presenting situation or need. The role of the ELSA is to develop children and young people’s:
The role of an ELSA can vary dependent on age, school stage and situation. All ELSAs have 6 days of initial training covering:
As well as skills development in:
ELSAs attend ongoing group supervision (6 times a year,) to safeguard practice and develop their skills. provide continued further skills development.
Our ELSAs
School based: Mrs Colby, Mrs Yates, Miss Hayne, Mrs Browne
Other: Debbie Newman (Family Link Worker) and Debbie May (St Paul's Church children's worker)
If you feel your child would benefit from ELSA support (either 1:1 or with a group), please contact your child's class teacher or arrange a meeting with Mrs Weavers (Headteacher) or Mrs Beales (SENCO)
Sarum St Paul's Primary School values highly the work of our ELSAs because of the positive impact this support has on improving children’s wellbeing and readiness to learn.
Play Therapy
Mrs Emily Woolford is currently completing her Play Therapy qualification.
Supporting Wellbeing
Wellbeing fun at Sarum St Paul's