Mental Health and Well-being
Our whole school-whole approach at Hazelmere Junior School
At Hazelmere Junior School, we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every pupil through a whole-school approach. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood.
Our approach includes:
• Relationships and belonging – We prioritise warm, consistent relationships between staff and pupils, built on kindness, respect and inclusion. Every child is known and valued as an individual.
• Curriculum – Pupils are taught about emotions, friendships, resilience and staying safe through our lessons, assemblies and daily classroom practice.
• Safe, calm learning environments – Clear routines, consistent behaviour expectations and supportive regulation strategies help all pupils feel secure and ready to learn.
• Pupil voice – We provide opportunities for pupils to share their views and contribute to wellbeing initiatives, including through the School Council and class discussions.
• Staff training – All staff receive ongoing training to recognise when a child may be experiencing difficulties and to respond in a supportive and appropriate way.
• Targeted support – We offer additional support for pupils who need it, including small group interventions, nurture sessions and Child First Therapy.
• The Lilac Room – Our dedicated Lilac Room provides a safe, quiet space for pupils with more complex or acute mental health needs. Here, children can choose to express their emotions or take time to regulate in a calm, supportive environment, guided by trained staff.
• Partnership with families and services – We work closely with parents and carers, as well as external professionals such as school nurses and children’s mental health services, to ensure pupils receive the right support when needed.
• E-safety – We promote safe and healthy use of technology, helping pupils understand how to balance screen time and develop positive online interactions.
Pupil-Led Strategies
We actively encourage pupils to take ownership of wellbeing across the school through:
• Positivity talk – Celebrating daily successes and positive moments, which are shared at the end of the day to reinforce a sense of achievement.
• Worry Boxes – Providing a safe and discreet way for pupils to share concerns with their teacher.
• Music at Playtime – Creating a calm and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages social interaction and inclusion.
• Buddy System and Play Leaders – Promoting peer support, teamwork and inclusive play opportunities for all pupils.
• OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) – We use the OPAL approach to enrich playtimes, offering pupils a wide range of creative, active and imaginative play opportunities. This supports physical health, social development, problem-solving skills and overall wellbeing by ensuring playtimes are inclusive, engaging and meaningful for all children.
Forest School
Our Forest School provision offers pupils regular opportunities to learn outdoors in a natural environment. This supports emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence and independence, while encouraging exploration, teamwork and a connection with nature.
Further information
Please find a link below with a range of mental health and well-being support available.
educational support poster.pdf
Promoting children's and young peoples' mental health and well-being
You can also download Frontline Referrals app on your phone for further information - https://apps.apple.com/app/id1147295388