We are a school committed to wellbeing.

 

Good mental health is fundamental to a child’s ability to thrive in life. When children feel safe, supported and emotionally secure, they are better able to build positive relationships, engage positively in school and develop resilience for the future. We believe that nurturing emotional wellbeing from an early age is essential in helping every child flourish.

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At Bardwell CofE Primary School, we place emotional wellbeing at the heart of school life. We are committed to creating a mentally healthy environment where pupils, families and staff feel valued, supported and understood. Our approach is both proactive and responsive — we aim to equip children with the skills to manage their emotions, while ensuring timely support is available when needed.

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Our PSHE programme plays an important role in developing emotional literacy, self-awareness and coping strategies. Through structured lessons and open discussion, pupils learn about feelings, friendships, resilience and mental health in an age-appropriate way. This helps to reduce stigma, build confidence and encourage children to seek help when they need it.

We work closely with our local Mental Health Support Team (MHST), who provide additional expertise and guidance. Through this partnership, we are able to access early intervention support, targeted programmes and advice for families. This ensures that children and parents can receive appropriate support at the right time.​​

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We also recognise the strong link between physical activity and positive mental wellbeing. Movement and active play are embedded throughout the school day. Through PE lessons, outdoor learning, active break times and wider sporting opportunities, children are encouraged to stay physically active — supporting improved mood, concentration and overall wellbeing.

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Strong relationships are central to our approach. We are committed to fostering positive, trusting partnerships with each and every family. By maintaining clear and open channels of communication, we ensure that parents and carers feel listened to, informed and supported. We value our close community links and work collaboratively with families and external agencies to provide holistic support for both children and parents where needed.

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By creating a culture of openness, compassion and connection, we aim to ensure that every child — and every family — feels part of a caring community where wellbeing is nurtured and everyone can thrive.

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There are several links below, which provide guidance and support with numerous

facets of mental health. The image link on the right includes specific details about the

Suffolk Emotional Wellbeing Hub. This is a relatively new service (2018), which enables

anyone to make referrals about children of concern. This could and would likely

include children that may be suffering from anxiety, stress or who may be experiencing

obsessive behaviours.​​​​​​​​​​

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• Kooth;

• St. Nicholas Hospice: Support with Bereavement;

• Anna Freud;

• Self-care - Anna Freud;

• Build Sound Minds;

• Bullying UK;

• EpicDad;

• Everybody Worries: A picture book for children who are worried

      about Coronavirus;

• Gatehouse;

• Health Watch Suffolk Report;

• NHS Wellbeing Service;

• Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Helpline- 01603 42 421

• Parenting Advice;

• Parent Hub;

• RSPH: #Status of Mind;

• Samaritans;

• Suffolk Family Carers;

• Suffolk Health & Children's Centres;

• Suffolk Parent Carer Network & Letter for Support

• Suffolk Wellbeing Hub;

• The Benjamin Foundation - Butterflies Emotional Wellbeing Service;

• Young Minds.