Parent Information & Signposting

Our Vision is to prioritise children’s mental and physical health, without positive wellbeing, children do not have the capacity to learn. We are committed to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing to all children, their families, staff and members of the community.  Our open culture allows pupils’ voices to be heard, and through the use of effective identification, ethos and our PSHE curriculum we ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.

Our PSHE curriculum ensures we actively teach and promote awareness of mental health. The DfE statutory Health Education guidance is covered  in the following ways; ‘Mental wellbeing’, ‘Internet safety and harms’, Physical health and fitness’, Healthy eating’, ‘Drugs, alcohol and tobacco’, ‘Health and prevention’, ‘Basic First Aid’, ‘Changing adolescent body as part of our Jigsaw spiral planning to all children across the year through ‘ a spiral healthy me’ . We are a UNICEF Rights Respecting school as part of our work on this we believe that every child has the right to the best possible health.  Additionally, we will use lessons such as PSHE, Internet Safety and Science as a vehicle for providing children who do develop difficulties with strategies to keep themselves healthy and safe, as well as supporting pupils to support any of their friends who are facing challenges.

Pastoral Support

We are fortunate to have a Pastoral Lead Practitioner who supports individuals and groups of children who may need targeted support with different aspects of their emotional wellbeing. This may range from friendship difficulties to those who need support with a bereavement.  Sessions may include Lego Therapy, reflection through drawing & talking, sensory/ play based interventions, lunch club, friendship groups, or simply time out to talk.

Transition

Moving classes can be an exciting time but change can also be tricky. At the Merton, we want children to look forward to moving year groups and having new learning experiences. Here are some information sheets which may help your child with their transition into their new year groups.

Transition Booklet EYFS,   Transition Booklet Year 1,   Transition Booklet Year 2,   Transition Booklet Year 3,   Transition Booklet Year 4,   Transition Booklet Year 5,   Transition Booklet Year 6

Healthy Together School Nursing Service

Healthy Together is a universal service from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust for children and their families from 0-11 in Leicestershire and Rutland. Public Health (School) Nurses from Healthy Together are available to help you and your child in many different ways. You can find help and support with:

Behaviour, Continence, Physical health, Emotional health, Parenting, Healthy lifestyles, Diet and nutrition and much more The Nursing team can be contacted via the school office or by contacting them directly.

Chat Health

Chat Health is a confidential text messaging service provided by Healthy Together that enables parents and carers to contact the school nursing team for advice and support. You can get in touch for advice and guidance about any aspect of your child’s physical or emotional health.

Text a Public Health (School) Nurse on: 07520 615 382   This service operates between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. The team aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm your message has been received.

If you need help before you hear back, you should visit your local walk-in centre, GP or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.

Health for Kids

Health for Kids enables primary school aged children to learn about health in a fun and interactive way. With different worlds to explore and content, games, videos, quizzes and animations to enjoy across topics including health, feelings, illness and getting help, children can sit and learn with parents, carers, grandparents, siblings and teachers in a fun and safe online environment.

Visit Health for Kids at: www.healthforkids.co.uk:

Twitter- @healthforkids1   Facebook- @healthforkids1      Instagram- @healthforkidsgrownups

Mental Health Support

Mind provides an information and signposting service. They are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). They offer support around mental health problems and give advice on where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services.

Telephone: 0300 1233393

Email: info@mind.org.uk

Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

NHS Talking Therapies. Access to this service is through the GP, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS therapy Service. This service helps with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. You can find more information  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/free-therapy-or-counselling/

Family Wellbeing Services

Children and Family Wellbeing Service  – Leicestershire County Council. This service can provide one to one programmes of support with household routines, behaviour management and the coordination of services. This standard family support is provided for up to 12 weeks. https://resources.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/child-protection-and-safeguarding/multi-agency-referral-form-for-early-help-and-social-care-services-marf

Special Educational Needs and Disability

Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) Leicestershire, is a statutory service. We provide free, impartial and confidential advice and support to parents and carers of young people aged 0-25 with special education needs or disabilities as well as young people themselves.  We advise on all matters relating to SEND, including education, health and social care issues.https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/popular-now/directories/information-and-support-directory/send-information-advice-and-support-service-sendiass

Challenging Behaviour at Home

Dealing with challenging behaviours at home can be very hard for families. If you would like some support, there is some available. https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/primary/behaviour/challenging-behaviour