Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Lionwood Infant and Nursery School, we are committed to to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our community. This includes pupils, staff and families.
We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and that this might mean we need additional support. Positive mental health is something that needs to be continually worked on and we feel that in our role as educators, we have a responsibility to help to develop the resilience skills of our children in order to prepare them for life.
At our school we:
- DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
- MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- KEEP ON TRYING
- UNDERSTAND OURSELVES AND OTHERS
- ARE KIND
We offer different levels of support:
Universal support – To meet the needs of all of our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum. This includes our PSHE/RHE curriculum.
Additional Support – For those who may have short term needs and those who may have been made vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement. This may include joining one of our nurture groups or having some ELSA sessions.
Targeted Support – For pupils who might need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions. This may include 1:1 sessions with a member of the SEN/pastoral teams. At this level we also work closely with external agencies such as the GP/Pediatrician, Point 1, CAMHS, School Nursing Service, Educational Psychology services and the YMCA.
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support
At Lionwood Infant and Nursery School we have 3 trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants).
These members of staff work 1:1 with children across the school. They work with children for a number of reasons. This may include anxiety or worries about school or home, developing resilience, a chance to explore feelings and develop strategies to support when things are difficult.
Teachers fill out a referral form if they think a child in their class would benefit from some ELSA time. Parents are informed if a child is selected to complete some ELSA work. Children usually have about 6 sessions with an ELSA, although sometimes this may need to be extended.
The SENCO oversees the running of ELSA sessions and the SENCO/PSW can be contacted for more information.
Meet our Inclusion Team
Miss Kingsley – Head of School
Miss Thorpe – Deputy Head
Miss Finnie – SENCO
Mrs Redpath – PSHE Lead
Mrs Cullum – Pastoral Lead, ELSA
Mrs Prior – Parent Support Advisor
Mrs Clapson – ELSA
Mrs Sadler – ELSA and additional support
Miss Jones – Additional Support
Miss Bedder – Additional Support
Ms DeSpretter – Additional Support
Useful links
Just One Number 0300 300 0123
Call and speak to a member of the team about a variety of issues including sleep, diet, behaviour, resilience, attendance, healthy lifestyles. Click the image to view.
NSPCC Need to Know Guides
Click the picture to view
Worried about your child’s behaviour or mental health and not sure what’s normal ? Wondering whether to see your GP ?
Perhaps you’ve been referred to specialist services but there is a long wait ….. or perhaps you’ve been told the problem isn’t quite serious enough to be referred. Happy Maps can give you some extra help and advice. https://www.happymaps.co.uk/
Early Help and Family Support Norfolk
If you are experiencing difficulties in your family or are worried about your children, there are people who can offer help and support.
Click the picture below to find out more.
Norfolk SENDIASS
Help and advice for parents of children with Special Educational Needs.
