Good staff wellbeing is essential for cultivating a mentally healthy school, for retaining and motivating staff and for promoting pupil wellbeing and attainment
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, 13 – 19 May April 25, 2024
The theme this year is "Movement: Moving more for our Mental Health".
Movement is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to move enough. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we are going to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!
Bringing the latest in Online Safety to your doorstep.
NB: www.saferinternet.org.uk
The UK Safer Internet Centre are delighted to partner with the Derby and Derbyshire Safer Communities team from Derbyshire County Council to deliver a FREE Online Safety update in a venue near you. Open to all who work with children and young people, this event will give you the latest in research, legislation, technology, tools and resources along with exclusive access to the presentation and resource materials. Safety online is constantly changing and the purpose of Online Safety Live events is to provide access to this information, right on people’s doorsteps. We understand that everyone is busy and the feedback has been clear that getting time away from work is a challenge – this is the why we have organised these events as short briefing sessions. They provide vital information, critically supplemented with access to detailed resources to review later. The team will also be available to answer any of your online safety queries or questions.
Anna Freud has helped to train thousands of educators to become Senior Mental Health Leads in their schools and colleges. They have arranged a free seminar to hear about how it's going, the challenges and how SMHLs can help transform the next generation's mental health! https://orlo.uk/tCaxu
National Autism Trainer Programme Conference in autistic mental health April 4, 2024
Do you work with autistic people? Join Anna Freud's conference to learn how the National Autism Trainer Programme can improve how you work with autistic individuals!
20th March is International Day of Happiness. Have you downloaded your free resources?
The campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek – Parkview Primary School February 16, 2024
Last week was a busy Children's Mental Health Week across Derby City School's. The theme of "My Voice Matter's" echoing across in all the activities taking place.
Parkview Primary School shared what they were getting up to. The week consisted of various activities. With a focus on communicating My Voice Matter's. They shared what mattered to them, what made them happy and proud. What they were grateful for. A fun time was had by all.
The activities continue this week with "I matter and you matter too".
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek – Redwood Primary School February 15, 2024
Last week was a busy Children's Mental Health Week across Derby City School's. The theme of "My Voice Matter's" echoing across in all the activities taking place.
We were invited along to Redwood Primary School to see what they were getting up to. The week consisted of various practical and theoretical activities. With a focus on communicating My Voice Matter's. From art and baking to relaxing spa afternoons.
The whole School started a morning on the playground with a wake and shake activity. This was enjoyed by all. There were a host of visitors into school from the local police teaching on online safety and Compass teaching on different ways to communicate our worries and feelings.
You can head over to our twitter page to see all the photos: @DerbyEHS
Free tools for targeted support February 9, 2024
Are you a #mentalhealth lead in a school or college? If so, you may find Anna Freud #TargetedSupport Toolkit useful.
This free tool offers effective, targeted help to students you work with who have mental wellbeing needs. The right support at the right time can help improve students’ behaviour, engagement and overall progress.
The day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
Time to Talk Day was launched in 2014 by Time to Change, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination, which was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
Anxiety in children and young people is on the rise.
Educational psychology experts at the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools have developed a guide for teachers to address student anxiety.
Inside How to tackle student anxiety you will discover how to identify anxiety and give your students coping techniques – with action plans for three specific areas:
Low level anxiety
Social anxiety around friendship groups
Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Free resources for Children’s Mental Health Week January 22, 2024
Peters downloadable book talk cards, these are perfect for Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), as a once-a-week alternative to daily reading sessions, or as a focus text for whole class reading time.
These are based on exciting new reads from a range of publishers. These printable PDFs feature discussion points and further reading suggestions. They cover a range of recommended new titles selected specifically to appeal to each year group and to help support pupils in generating the wider discussion around books.
Anxiety UK have produced this booklet to offer simple tips and techniques, for looking after yourself this Christmas, and to offer you the comfort that you are not alone.
Story Stem Assessment Profile Training December 7, 2023
@AFNCCF
A great training opportunity to learn how to use the story stem assessment profile to gain insight into how children aged four to nine perceive family roles, attachments, and relationships using a non-intrusive approach. Follow the link for course details. https://orlo.uk/NDa79
Anger management for staff in schools November 30, 2023
Much attention is given to the need for school staff to manage student behaviour and anger. This resource from Education Support will cover this, but also how to deal with your own anger and that of colleagues. There is also information on what school leaders can do to support staff.
A group of 8 male students from across different secondary schools in Derby have come together to create a White Ribbon Day Campaign. White Ribbon Day is an International Day of Awareness where men and boys show their commitment to ending violence against women and girls. White Ribbon UK mark this on 25th November.
Positive Relationships at School November 16, 2023
This year, BBC Children in Need are calling on schools across the UK to celebrate the power of positive relationships, and the impact of these relationships in helping to support children and young people throughout the school years.
Many children and young people experience some of their first positive relationships with teachers and mentors at school.
Senior Mental Health Lead Training November 14, 2023
Did you know the Department for Education is offering a grant of £1,200 for eligible state-funded schools to train a senior mental health lead? Schools can now claim a 2nd grant if the trained lead has left the setting. Don’t Miss Out! Click here to claim your grant now!
Teachers, don’t miss BBC Live Romans Lesson on Monday 27 November, 11am! Grab your class and attempt to solve a mystery 2000 years in the making in this History Live Lesson for 7-11 year olds.
Anxiety can become a vicious cycle that’s hard to break out of. In a recent survey 29% of people said work was a source of anxiety, so it's important to keep a healthy work-life balance.
Mental Health Foundation have got some useful tips:
Are you concerned about pupil wellbeing in your school? Check out this FREE ‘how to tackle pupil anxiety’ guide, which includes expert advice and tips to improve pupil wellbeing.
Emotionally Based School Non Attendance 3 day course, cohort one starting Wednesday 18th October 2023 This course is for infant, junior and primary schools and develops an understanding of the impact on students who are having severe difficulties attending school, how to identify those at risk of developing difficulties and how to help them.
Calling Derby City Schools, have you booked your place yet?
Relational, Attachment and Trauma informed classrooms 7 day course, starting Thursday 5th October 2023 This course takes relevant concepts from neurodevelopmental research and attachment theory, brings them into the classroom, and empowers school staff to apply this knowledge to the teaching and learning process. Click here to view the full flyer:
The official theme for the day is 'Mental Health is a universal human right'. However ITV are doing a campaign/task in collaboration with Hello Yellow called ‘Britain Get Talking’ which is better suited to children.
There is an assembly video introducing the task by Ant and Dec to show the children.
This is a free webinar discussing the importance of good colleague relationships for mental wellbeing. They share successful strategies to enable and encourage positive working relationships.
PANTS resources for schools and teachers September 20, 2023
Lesson plans, classroom activities and more to help you talk PANTS
Download our free Talk PANTS resources, teaching children the Underwear Rule to help keep them safe from abuse.
We've developed:
lesson plans
slide presentations, and
classroom activities
with the PSHE Association to help schools and nurseries talk PANTS with children, without ever using scary words or even mentioning sex.
You will also find resources for children with SEND, early years settings, working with diverse groups and links to the relevant curriculum areas in each of the four nations.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is a significant advocacy and communication based event aimed at reaching national organisations, governments and the general public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
WSPD is considered an effective tool in these efforts and the WHO Report: Preventing Suicide: a Global Imperative(WHO, 2014) marks it as a policy achievement, stating:
'This day has spurred campaigns both nationally and locally and has contributed to raising awareness and reducing stigma'.
WSPD continues to grow year on year, with recent years seeing the day observed in more than 60 countries with hundreds of events ranging from educational and commemorative events to press briefings and public conferences. The Internet and Social Media coverage has ensured millions of people around the world are linked to WSPD on September 10th and in 2020 the IASP produced Step Closer film was viewed over 30 million times. Recent WSPD Impact reports can be viewed here.
Back to School 2023 September 7, 2023
Resources for starting Primary and Secondary School
A recap for the new academic year on the Zones of Regulation. All the different ways children feel and the states of alertness they experience are categorized into four coloured zones. Children who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time.
Follow the link for some useful free and paid for resources:
Have you seen Education Support's recent webinar yet 'Switching off over summer'? Watch now for takeaway tips and techniques, ready to make the most of your well-deserved summer holiday.
My self-care plan: Primary & Secondary June 28, 2023
Anna Freud have put together some wonderful free resources:
This #SelfCareSummer plan walks primary and secondary aged children through steps to help them create a simple self-care plan that works for them and to identify activities that they can use to support their mental health over the summer holidays and beyond. https://crowd.in/ALQUyv
National Thank A Teacher Day June 20, 2023
To celebrate National Thank a Teacher Day 2023 there are some PSHE curriculum-based lesson and assembly plans.
Perfect for form time or PSHE lessons, download your FREE assembly and lesson packs with a host of resources and activities.
Linked to the PSHE curriculum theme of gratitude and available for all key stages, encouraging children to show appreciation to all those in their teaching community – from the dinner helpers, to the classroom assistants and librarians.
INCLUSION CONFERENCE ‘VALUES INTO ACTION’ June 15, 2023
There is still time to book if you haven't already:
Derby city schools and local organisations you are invited to join us for our Inclusion Conference. It aims to celebrate and share local expertise that are building in Derby city, supporting schools to be inclusive.
Get your pupils involved in the National Thank a Teacher Day celebrations! June 8, 2023
Join the whole of the UK in celebrating National Thank a Teacher Day on Wednesday 21st June. This day is dedicated to all the schools and colleges at the heart of our communities, from the teachers helping us make sense of the world to all the wonderful support staff keeping things running.
There are heaps of ways to get involved, from sending free thank you cards and entering competitions to enjoying free on-the-day activities (Thank a teacher are working hard to have these available to download soon). They also have free lesson and assembly plans linked to the PSHE curriculum which will be available soon.
Transforming school cultures through Relationships and Sex Education June 7, 2023
Young people are telling us, in local ( RSE Portal Survey) and national (Sex Ed Forum RSE Poll) research, that the RSE they receive is’ not yet helping them to navigate the realities of their lives’( quote from Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges 2021).
This session will support schools to explore effective pedagogy in RSE that helps to increase young peoples’ meaningful engagement and fosters inclusion of their everyday experiences.
Derby Inclusion Conference… 5 weeks to go May 25, 2023
Get your place booked... Headteachers, Senior Leaders, Inclusion Leaders, Behaviour leads, Senior Mental Health Leads, SENCos, Teachers, Governors.
Talking about anxiety – Free Seminar May 17, 2023
Have you booked on yet?
This is an opportunity to attend a free seminar about anxiety in children and young people and practical tips for addressing it with a panel of experts on May 22nd 16.30-18.00. The seminar is provided by Anna Freud.
Suicide Bereavement Training for Derby & Derbyshire – FREE ONLINE April 13, 2023
NB: @dva.org.uk
Joined Up Care Derbyshire have commissioned Harmless to deliver half day Suicide Bereavement training sessions online for staff and volunteers from a broad range of statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations, working within Derbyshire county and City.
Please note that you must work with people in Derby/shire in order to meet eligibility criteria for this free training session
This course is designed to enable participants to effectively explore and understand the following:
- The magnitude of suicide bereavement
- Suicide loss as a unique form of complex bereavement
- 'Complicated grief', trauma, and other individual responses to suicide
- The wider impact of bereavement on those exposed to or affected by suicide
- The stigma and shame associated with suicide and bereavement
- Bereavement by suicide as a unique risk factor for suicide
We have been reading some fantastic books at the moment, this is just one of them. There is a vast choice out there to encourage, help and inspire our young people.
World Autism Acceptance Week is back from 27 March to 2 April 2023. The theme for 2023 is colour. Have a look at the resources available on the website:
Children’s Mental Health Week: Meaningful relationships vital in helping young people thrive February 6, 2023
NB: www.annafreud.org
Today marks the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Let’s Connect’. Activities will focus on the healthy, meaningful and rewarding connections in children’s lives which enable them to thrive.
#TimeToTalkDay Make space on February 2 to talk to someone about Mental Health. Talk about how you feel, a problem or situation you may be struggling with. #Letsgettalking
Get your free downloadable resources https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
Time To Talk Day 02/02/2023 January 23, 2023
NB: @Rethink Mental Illness @Mind
This day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health, by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
Healthy Coping Strategies for Young People: Free Seminar January 13, 2023
NB: @AnnaFreudNCCF
Developing healthy coping strategies to deal with intense and difficult emotions is an important skill for young people. Learn more about them at Anna Freud next Schools in Mind seminar on 26 January: https://crowd.in/QI8vH8
@Place2Be’s free school resources will help pupils and teachers explore how we can connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways. Click through for resources:
In 2023 Anna Freud are running free training for school staff on delivering and evaluating effective mental health & wellbeing interventions in schools!
Mental Health First Aid England would like to share their top five most downloaded resources to help benefit you and your workplaces wellbeing throughout 2023.
Pupil voice in schools means a whole-school commitment to listening to the views, wishes and experiences of all children and young people. It means placing value on what children and young people tell school staff about their experiences.
The Anna Freud centre have a new online research library which houses a collection of evidence based material on children and young people’s mental health written and co-written by the Centre staff. Explore: https://crowd.in/I5IxM8#AnnaFreudResearch
"Through our work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, we have seen time and time again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges." - The Prince of Wales
A report has been put together by the Heads Together Charity Partners.
Mental Health First Aid England's latest Impact Report is now available. The report marks 15 years of MHFA England's journey to train one in ten people in mental health knowledge, awareness, and skills.
World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13th November. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations.
World Kindness Day was first launched in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement, an organisation formed at a 1997 Tokyo conference of like-minded kindness organisations from around the world. There are currently over 28 nations involved in The World Kindness Movement which is not affiliated with any religion or political movement. The mission of the World Kindness Movement and World Kindness Day is to create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness.
In the UK, Kindness Day UK is organised by Kindness UK, a not for profit organisation. Kindness Day UK was launched on 13th November 2010, and the event has continued to grow in popularity every year with increasing numbers of individuals, schools, charities, institutions and businesses taking part.
Anybody wishing to take part in World Kindness Day or Kindness Day UK can pledge a good deed and also find a ride range of resources including ideas for random acts of kindness both large and small on the Kindness UK website www.kindnessuk.com
Anti-Bullying Week November 10, 2022
This takes place 14-18 November this year. The theme is "Reach Out"
The week will kick off with Odd Socks day on Monday 14th.
These training courses teach individuals how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
The training is delivered both face-to-face and virtual (online interactive) course.
The youth Mental Health First aid courses teach the skills and confidence to help spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid and guide them towards the support they need. The adult Mental Health First aid courses are suitable for individuals whose role may include provision of support to adults who may have emotional distress, be at higher risk of mental health difficulties, or who have experience of mental health problems. Participants must be over 18 to attend our courses.
Mental health awareness course
This is a half-day course designed to increase skills and confidence of staff and volunteers. It gives participants a general awareness and understanding of mental health, including addressing stigma, and an overview of resources and services.
The course is suitable for public-facing roles that require general mental health awareness or as an introduction to the topic of mental health. It's currently available as a virtual (online interactive) course only.
Suicide awareness and prevention
This training course builds general awareness and understanding of suicide, addresses stigma, provides details of resources and services and equips you with related skills. It's suitable for people who may come into contact with vulnerable individuals at risk of suicide.
It's currently available as a virtual course only. The course consists of a combination of individual e-learning and a half-day group virtual (online interactive) training session. The e-learning consists of 3 short modules which take approximately one hour to complete in total and which must be completed prior to attending group virtual (online interactive) training session.
Suicide bereavement training
Funded by Joined Up Care Derbyshire, this virtual (online interactive) training is for staff and volunteers from statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations, working in either Derbyshire or Derby.
Mental Health.org have lots of how-to... guides which include lots of evidence-based information on different ways that you can help to look after your mental health.
They're all free to read online and download, or you can buy printed copies.
Black History Month activities for kids to use in the classroom this month or ways to discuss Black history throughout the school year, options for your classroom's, plus ways to include this year’s theme.
If you haven’t yet claimed funding for the training of mental health leaders in your school, there is another opportunity to do so this year. This funding is in addition to the previous Opportunity Area funded training and Derby schools are encouraged to use this DFE opportunity to train additional staff.
World Mental Health Day 2022 toolkit October 7, 2022
Toolkits of resources for primary and secondary/FE settings, full of World Mental Health Day activities for whole classes, small groups or individual pupils.
Youth Mental Health Day September 22nd September 20, 2022
NB: www.stem4.org.uk
#YMHD#ConnectMeaningfully
This year’s Youth Mental Health Day will focus on the importance of building and maintaining meaningful connections and relationships.
For further information, classroom resources for children and young people, tips, discussions and activities that will help children and young people to #ConnectMeaningfully visit https://stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday/
This is primarily focused at staff and volunteers who aren't qualified mental health professionals. It reflects a whole-system cross-sector workforce approach to prevention and support, and reinforces that mental health is everyone's business.
Check out the 'Let's Talk: Mental Health' podcast brought to you by @mentalhealth. They have got together with different people & experts to chat about mental health. Available wherever you get your podcasts
We are launching our Masterclasses, a series of online webinars covering a variety of topics, from Embedding Mental Health in the Curriculum to Emotional Intelligence.
Now that’s what I call leadership – Free Webinar July 22, 2022
Come and join a LIVE webinar with the amazing Peter Anderton - where he will cut through the noise around leadership and reveal the two rules EVERY leader needs to know.
#SelfCareSummer – Anna Freud NCCF@AFNCCF July 19, 2022
Are you ready for #SelfCareSummer? We have created packs for schools to help young people find strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing over the holidays, and we have also created a self-care toolkit for staff.
At the art of brilliance their NEW Wellbeing Award can transform your team’s mental health! They want people to feel confident, resilient, creative, motivated, empathetic, agile, & who have real purpose in their lives. This programme equips them! Full details here:
Opportunity areas programme: research and analysis June 4, 2022
The Opportunity Areas programme process evaluation has now been published. This research report looks at how the OA programme was delivered in all 12 areas, alongside 5 intervention level evaluations in other OAs. All these reports can be viewed here:
School Mental Health Specialist -DFE Assured May 19, 2022
@Minds_Ahead - Train whilst you work.
When we researched the School Mental Health Specialist programme, we found that headteachers want to have a member of staff on site, working for them as a part of their team, trained in #mentalhealthsupport.
Why School Mental Health is important right now. Calling all teachers and support staff! Learn more about this DfE assured qualification for schools and colleges. Get the brochure, and enquire now.
Mental Health Awareness Week resources. Check out this selection of @beingbrilliant books.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek#Lonliness
NB: Paid for resources
Wellbeing & Mental Health of Teachers & Education Staff May 12, 2022
NB: www.educationsupport.org.uk
Education Support offer a range of free support to all school staff . They promote this service as much as possible in Mental Health Leads’ Network meetings and receive nothing but excellent feedback on the articles and helpline support that they provide.
Even in a class full of students, #loneliness can still affect #teachers and #educationstaff. If you're feeling this, please give Education Support helpline a call. Talking through your feelings with their counsellors can really help. 08000 562 561
Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff May 10, 2022
A toolkit of resources for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, highlighting this year's theme of loneliness.
Mental Health Foundation Impact Report 2020 – 2021 May 2, 2022
NB: mentalhealth.org.uk
The last year will be forever remembered for the global pandemic – a seismic event in all of our lives with impact in every area of society, including here at the Mental Health Foundation.
Please note there is a cost for the masterclasses. https://t.co/CwU2cDkxbo
#KindnessMatters April 22, 2022
NB: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
Did you know kindness can help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing? Research shows that being kind has clear benefits for our mental health. Find out more about what these benefits are from the kindness matters guide
Derby OA Inclusion Conference & Showcase April 19, 2022
Schools are invited to attend the following conferences. Places are funded through the OA Inclusion Programme so they’re free to attend and schools are welcome to bring along several members of staff including Head Teachers, Senior Leaders, Behaviour Leads, SENCOs, Pastoral Leads, Governors, Trustees, Teachers and Teaching Assistants.
OA Inclusion Conference and Showcase Thursday 5th May, Pride Park Stadium 8:30am-1pm
Join us for a morning of networking where we will showcase the work of the OA Inclusion Programme, share our social impact research, launch our Inclusion Charter and look ahead to the future vision for inclusive schools. Keynote Speaker: ‘Tune in and hear me’ Dr Carrie Grant MBE, Broadcaster, Vocal and Leadership Coach and Campaigner.
Burnout: recognising the signs and protecting yourself April 11, 2022
NB: www.educationsupport.org.uk
The term burnout was originally coined in the 1970s to describe the consequences of ‘severe stress and high ideals’ among the helping professions. These are fields where many feel a high level of moral purpose, a dedication to making a difference and an urge to go above and beyond. This well-intentioned source of motivation can take its toll on a person. If you work in education, does this sound familiar?
The World Health Organisation has recently redefined burnout as 'a syndrome linked to chronic work stress that has not been successfully managed.’ In our fast-paced world, intensified by the pandemic and its digital demands, it has become a far more common risk.
Stress is incredibly high among teachers and education staff. Eight out of ten recently told us they are stressed from work. Four in ten said that the pressure on their mental health and wellbeing has caused them to consider leaving. Pressure does serve a very useful purpose for most of us, motivating and urging us to do our best, but ongoing stress can seriously damage our health.
Anna Freud, hosted through the MentallyHealthySchools.org.uk platform have a fantastic and expanding library of dedicated resources. From videos, to assembly plans, information and guidance, online activities and support with school policies and training, there is a huge amount to be found.
The fifth Wellbeing Workout session is today at 4pm!
The Wellbeing Workout is designed as a mental health ‘6-pack’. The 6 webinar programme is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and know-how to upgrade to ‘best possible self’ more often... and it continues today at 4pm.
The Wellbeing Workout is hosted live via Zoom - Today's session features Jonathan Peach, presenting "Imposter Syndrome (How to Get Out of Your Own Way)". The session starts at 4pm and will be available on catch-up tomorrow.
A brilliant time was had at the first conference of the year. Great speakers and representatives. @DerbyOppArea @beingbrilliant @actnforchildren @DCCTSuperSchool @BridgetheGapFW @musicmind www.tambaroy.com @kooth_plc @catharsisbiz @myinternalworld @Andrew_BlackAOB
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A range of great Derby websites March 13, 2022
Continue to provide support for the important work underway in schools to support staff, pupils and families in schools. Each of them has live resources and a rolling programme of supportive activity and training for schools. Visit them to see what’s available:
British Science Week starts tomorrow March 11, 2022
British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that will place between 11-20 March 2022! Run by @BritSciAssoc
Derby City Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference March 10, 2022
“Securing a strong mental health and wellbeing culture for your pupils and staff”
Tuesday 15th March 2022 9am-3.45pm at Pride Park Stadium DE24 8XL
This conference is for Designated Senior Mental Health Leads, Senior Leaders, Pastoral Staff, Learning Mentors, SENCOs, Teaching Assistants and key partners and stakeholders. The cost is free for Designated Senior Mental Health leads (including supply costs) and £50 for all other practitioners. Key-Note Speakers include Nina Jackson -the importance of staff wellbeing and Tamba Roy - the importance of children and young people's wellbeing. Schools will learn best practice to install a wellbeing culture in school that is pro-active and the means to feel positive about your school approach. Sessions will provide information about positive evidence-based practical strategies to help promote the mental health and wellbeing of the school community and the local provision on offer to support the prevention and early intervention of mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Contact Jayne.hadfield@derby.gov.uk with enquiries.
Wellbeing workout reminder, second session is today. March 7, 2022
The second Wellbeing Workout session is today at 4 pm!
The Wellbeing Workout is designed as a mental health ‘6-pack’. The 6 webinar programme is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and know-how to upgrade to ‘best possible self’ more often... and it continues today at 4pm.
The Wellbeing Workout is hosted live via Zoom - Today's session features Kev House, presenting "Self-Care, it's all about YOU". The session starts at 4pm and will be available on catch-up tomorrow.
NB: Dr Andy Cope@beingbrilliant www.artofbrilliance.co.uk
Reading helps your brain stretch, as you create pictures in your mind. These pictures are unique, personal and can be an inspiration for your job, school and everything else.
The Wellbeing Workout kicks off today at 4pm…… February 28, 2022
The Wellbeing Workout is designed as a mental health ‘6-pack’. The 6 webinar programme is designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and know-how to upgrade to ‘best possible self’ more often... and it starts today at 4pm.
The Wellbeing Workout is hosted live via Zoom - Today's session features Dr Andy Cope, presenting "The Art of Being Brilliant - Your Wellbeing Launch Pad". The session starts at 4pm and will be available on catch-up tomorrow.
Derby City Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference
Securing a strong mental health and wellbeing culture for your pupils and staff
Tuesday 15th March 2022
9am-3.45pm
Pride Park Stadium DE24 8XL
Key-Note Speakers:
Nina Jackson -the importance of staff wellbeing Tamba Roy - the importance of children and young people's wellbeing
Outcomes:
Schools will learn best practice to install a wellbeing culture in school that is pro-active and the means to feel positive about your school approach.
Schools will be aware of a range of positive evidence-based practical strategies to help promote the mental health and wellbeing of its school community.
Schools will be aware of the local provision on offer to support the prevention and early intervention of mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Who should attend?
Designated Senior Mental Health Leads, Senior Leaders, Pastoral Staff, Learning Mentors, SENCOs, Teaching Assistants and key partners and stakeholders
Cost: Free for Designated Senior Mental Health leads (including supply costs) £50 for all other practitioners
Plus FREE virtual training for all Midday Supervisors and Mental Health Governors
To book your place at the conference please contact Jayne Hadfield at SpecialistSupport@derby.gov.uk Please note bookings will close on Friday 18th February
There are lots of ways to feel calmer. The trick is finding out what works for each individual. Childline have free resources of ideas, games, tools and exercises designed to help children and young people stay calm as much as possible.
Five ways to increase your happiness in 2022 February 9, 2022
NB: https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/
Top tips from the young teachers from Danielle aged 4
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek February 8, 2022
Celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week 2022 and this year's theme of 'growing together' with Anna Freud NCCF free toolkits of resources for primary and secondary schools.
Check out these lovely posters that will help you celebrate Children's Mental Health Week and reflect upon the important aspects of mental health in the classroom or at home:
Reminder: Understanding Mental Health for young people January 18, 2022
The mental health charity 'Mind' has put together a useful guide for young people to help them gain a greater understanding of mental health, with some quick tips and guides aimed at helping them manage it.
Top tips to support children and young people January 10, 2022
NB: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Some children and young people would have enjoyed being off school, while others will have really struggled, keeping them at home and away from friends. Others may be coming to terms with family problems, loss or changes to their living situation.
With nationwide and local restrictions being regularly reviewed, they may also have to deal with self-isolating because of an outbreak in school or another period of school closure, or have worries about getting or passing on the virus. It's still uncertain what further changes we all may face.
Feelings like these will gradually ease for most, but there are always steps you can take to support them emotionally and help them cope with problems they face.
There's support available if you feel you or they need it.
Seven strategies for managing anxiety January 4, 2022
NB: educationsupport.org.uk
Psychotherapist, Ben Amponsah outlines seven key strategies to help teachers and education staff to manage anxiety during the coronavirus crisis. (This was put together on the first Lockdown) Still relevant today.
Even when facing difficult times, we can still take positive steps forward and find reasons to be hopeful Join https://actionforhappiness.org/january for #HappierJanuary and enjoy daily actions to boost your wellbeing and bring happiness to others. Let’s get 2022 off to a better start.
Head over to twitter and check out their 12 tips for winter wellbeing.
Here is Day 1.
During our 12 Days of #WinterWellbeing we will be sharing tips on supporting your mental health during the winter. Today’s first tip is all about keeping active.
— Mental Health First Aid England (@MHFAEngland) December 7, 2021
Mental Health & Wellbeing in 5 simple steps December 1, 2021
The Anna Freud Centre launched its free 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, which is an evidence-based tool which supports you to decide on your own approach to mental health and wellbeing in 5 simple steps.
The 5 Steps are Leading Change, Working Together, Understanding Need, Promoting Wellbeing and Supporting Staff. Each of these steps includes two-six practical actions that educational professionals can take to make sure that promoting mental health and wellbeing is integrated across the whole school or college curriculum.
Follow the link for seminar recordings and materials:
The wait is over - our latest Teacher Wellbeing Index is now live! This report provides an insight into working lives of teachers and education staff under the shadow of Covid-19. Read it here:
We know that at this time of year juggling work and home life can be stressful. Why not use our My Whole Self MOT tool to check in with yourself and support others during this busy time. https://bit.ly/3kr5W58#MentalHealth#MentalHealthFirstAid
Art of Brilliance, a local Derby company, has been commissioned by the Opportunity Area Board to provide additional support for schools this year that has a key focus on helping teachers/staff understand how to take care of their own wellbeing and mental health. In this Covid-recovery period we are especially aware that school staff are even more exhausted at the moment by the relentless nature of the work they do. Their work will also provide signposting to professional assistance for those who need extra support and offers coaches to provide well-being support ‘on tap’. Andrew Black, himself a retired Headteacher and career teacher in Secondary, Special and Primary is leading this project and can be contacted on andrewblack@artofbrilliance.co.uk with any questions.
#WorldKindnessDay November 10, 2021
World Kindness Day is coming up on November 13th.
Follow the link for some helpful resources: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/world-kindness-day
Prioritising your Mental Health and wellbeing as School staff October 30, 2021
A moment to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing!
This free interactive online webinar event is designed to be a moment for you to reflect on the ways you look after your mental health and wellbeing, find out tips on building more opportunities for rest in your daily schedules, and where to go for more support.
Before the pandemic, a child’s health, wellbeing and life chances were powerfully shaped by the circumstances of their birth. The pandemic has painfully exposed these inequalities, with disadvantaged children falling even further behind their peers in education, and those who were already vulnerable being put at even greater risk.Image
The Spending Review is a turning point. Instead of going back to how things were, this is our chance to look to the future – a future where every child feels safe, secure and supported. This is our chance to Build Back Childhood.
Today’s challenges demand a strategic approach to the needs of babies, children and young people from conception to age 25. Creating lasting change must mean sustained improvement in core budgets to ensure existing duties can be met, as well as funding new initiatives. Our children need a Spending Review that:
Levels up living standards for families;
Explicitly invests in prevention and early intervention;
Takes a rounded approach to children’s recovery;
Gives every child the best start in life.
The clock is ticking and, as each day passes without a decisive response, the longer-term risks to children and the cost to the public purse rise.
Can we make prevention in mental health really work? October 20, 2021
www.annafreud.org
The TransformationSeminars are a series of free online events where we contemplate the future of children and young people’s mental health. Join us as we ask some of the most eminent names in mental health: what would most contribute to a transformation of our approach to mental health?
The case for prevention and early intervention in mental health is well established and the potential benefits in health and economic terms are frequently stated. Yet, progress in the widespread implementation of effective prevention is slow and challenging.
There are multiple reasons for this, and in this talk Professor Paul Ramchandani wants to discuss some of the hard truths and challenges we face if we are to make prevention a reality. Including, but going well beyond the Child and Adolescent Mental Health system.
There's still time for you to get your ticket for Education Support webinar tomorrow, hosted with @AcademyTrust! Hear from their panel of experts and find out how to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in schools. Get your free ticket now
World Mental Health Day 2021 Podcast October 10, 2021
NB: Mentalhealth.org.uk
This is the Mental Health Foundation podcast. A series which brings to you a range of mental health topics, real life stories, expert comments, and mental health tips.
Jennie Walker is your producer and host. She has her own lived experience of mental health problems and with this podcast she and the Mental Health Foundation want to raise awareness, get people talking and provide support and hope.
Follow the link for a free downloadable document with educational content, with the help of collaborators from all over the world.
www.wmhd2021.com/index.php
Support is available October 6, 2021
All Derby City employees can use the below log in details to access a wide range of free support through an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). Services available range from Online Counselling, news stories/case studies, help with money management and much more.
Parents warn of tsunami of school-anxiety cases September 17, 2021
NB: www.cypmhc.org.uk
"It's not about refusal - it's not a child that won't do something. It's about a child that physically can't.' The rise in school anxiety is leading to persistent absence from school.
Free resources to improve mental health in schools. Browse the growing library of free created and curated mental health resources to benefit the mental health and wellbeing of your students and your staff.
Back to School 2021 toolkit August 31, 2021
Follow the link for resources to help in dealing with mental health concerns.
Top 5 tips for avoiding back-to-school burnout August 30, 2021
NB: www.educationsupport.org
Victoria Hewett, teacher, education blogger and author of 'Making it as a a Teacher,' shares tips to help maintain your wellbeing in the new school year.
What are you doing to look after yourself this weekend? August 28, 2021
NB: www.educationsupport.org
Workplace Culture Change August 27, 2021
NB: Mental Health First Aid England
How often do you check in with your colleagues about their wellbeing? Our #MyWholeSelf MOT is a free guide that will help you check in on your own and others’ mental health and wellbeing:
Children’s Grounding & Soothing Strategies Booklet August 13, 2021
Bridge the Gap are excited to share their NEW digital booklet! 81 pages packed with strategies to help children mange big/difficult emotions. Colour images & child friendly print gives children lots of ideas on how to ground & soothe. Also helps to support there valuable work.
Don't forget. Our free and confidential helpline is here for you and your colleagues throughout the summer.
08000 562 561. Call us. We’ll listen.
School leaders wellbeing support July 16, 2021
Education support are offering limited free spaces to services focused on improving your mental health and wellbeing.
Please follow the link www.educationsupport.org.uk/helping-your-staff/school-leaders-wellbeing-service
Teacher wellbeing July 8, 2021
www.educationsupport.org.uk
As you prepare for the Summer break watch this webinar to support your wellbeing during this period.
The UK's only charity providing mental health & wellbeing support services to all staff working in education. Free & confidential helpline 08000 562 561.
“June Tired” July 2, 2021
It is not uncommon to hear teachers and other educators talk about being “June tired” — the way they typically feel in June after a full school year. But this year, educational workers may be experiencing a new, and much deeper, form of fatigue.
Teachers, headteachers and other school staff have spent this past year continually shifting between in school and online classes, worrying about vulnerable children often feeling guilt or hopelessness about pupil's learning loss.
Take a look at this article taken from 'The Conversation'
Bridge the Gap have got immense information in providing resources to help you support pupil wellbeing. From helping you to understand their emotions and feelings, to giving you the knowledge and tools to support them. They have created a wealth of resources that are free to download.
Follow this link www.jwbridgethegap.com/free-resources-1 or visit their website www.bridgethegap.com
Shout’s ‘Little book of coping skills’ June 24, 2021
Shout 85258’s ‘Little Book of Coping Skills’ as seen from the things our texters tell Shout Volunteers they’ll do to help them feel better after a conversation.
Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, worried, overwhelmed or low, this booklet has plenty of tips and techniques you can try to help you feel calmer and refer back to whenever you need them.
Based on what our texters have told us, in this booklet and below are some of the key things you can try.
A video follows featuring wellbeing professional Lorna Walker, which helps children think about good changes and bad changes, and how we deal with both. It features voices of children talking about changes due to coronavirus, and suggests some simple mindfulness techniques for children to try.
Delivered by Grace Taylor from First Steps Eating Disorders
Nutrition and Mood is CPD accredited training that explores influential factors such as the principles of healthy eating and the importance of including all food groups in the diet.
Derby is the first City to have a Mental Health leader in every School May 21, 2021
The Emotionally Healthy Schools programme, which was led by Redwood Primary School in Sinfin and funded by the Derby Opportunity Area, was launched to create a Mental Health Local Offer that brings all sources of support and information into one place for schools.
Speaking about the programme, Jane Calladine, Executive Head of Redwood Primary School who has led the project, said: “Research shows that poor mental health can have a long term impact on a child’s well-being. Schools in Derby needed to know how to access the right support and expertise and Redwood was delighted to be asked to lead the Opportunity Area Emotionally Healthy Schools programme to address this, by training and supporting leaders.
“We now have a great Mental Health leader in every school in the city, which means that whether primary or secondary, special, academy, Local Authority or faith, every single school has a trained leader. Derby’s school leaders have great action plans in place to ensure their schools keep on improving their practice.”
Please listen to Jane's interview on Radio Derby below: (listen in from 2:42)
Top tips to look after your Mental Health throughout the School day. May 19, 2021
Listen to this year’s #MentalHealthMinute May 17, 2021
NB: www.giveusashout.org
Over 500 radio stations across the UK united at 10:59am on Friday 14th May to play this year's #MentalHealthMinute in unison.
This year’s Minute featured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, David Beckham, Dame Shirley Bassey, Joanna Lumley, Jesse Lingard, Jamie Oliver, Charles Dance, Anne-Marie and was written by poet, writer and mental health advocate Hussain Manawer and is in support of Shout 85258.
May 15, 2021
5 Ways to Wellbeing May 14, 2021
NB: www.mentalhealth-uk.org
The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ are a set of pillars which are key to improving our mental health. Modelled by the New Economics Foundation, they’re geared around themes of social connectedness, physical activity, awareness, learning, and giving.
For them, for us and for you – we must take this chance to step up the fight for mental health. That means fighting for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.
NB: Mind.org
Forest Schools May 12, 2021
NB: www.forestschoolassociation.org
Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. A program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
Forest School has a developmental ethos shared by thousands of trained practitioners around the world, who are constantly developing their learning styles and skills to support new and imaginative learners. Its roots reach back to the open-air culture, friluftsliv, or free air life, seen as a way of life in Scandinavia where Forest School began. It arrived in the UK in 1993 and has grown from strength to strength since then.
There is lots of research out there to support the outcomes of Forest School, but we know that it isn’t just the educational outcomes and research that matter, our learners and leaders love it too!
*Forest School @Redwood Primary School
Mental Health Awareness Week – toolkit of resources May 11, 2021
NB: Mentally healthy schools / Anna Freud
To help schools celebrate the week, the website has some resources about nature and mental health.
It’s important to keep the focus on mental health and wellbeing throughout the school year, beyond Mental Health Awareness Week, so there is also resources to help open up conversations about mental health in schools all year round.
Mental health.org have two clear aims. Firstly, to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health. Secondly, to convince decision makers at all levels that access to and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one.
2021 is going be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.
There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, Mentalhealth.org are asking you to do three things:
Experience nature: take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature during the week. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. You might be surprised by what you notice.
Share nature: Take a photo, video or sound recording and share the connections you’ve made during the week, to inspire others. Join the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Talk about nature: use our tips, school packs, research and policy guides to discuss in your family, school, workplace and community how you can help encourage people to find new ways to connect with nature in your local environment.
Why Nature? #mentalhealthawarenessweek May 9, 2021
'There is something to be wondered at in all of nature' - Aristotle
Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. For most of human history, we lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a context that is largely separated from nature. And it is only since a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster, that science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits.
During Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, Mentalhealth.org will pull together the evidence that demonstrates the powerful benefits of nature for our mental health. They will look at nature’s unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. They will show that even small contacts with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health, and preventing distress.
Follow the above link for ideas on how to connect with nature and some fantastic resources.
NB: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind Derbyshire May 8, 2021
NB: www.derbyshiremind.org.uk
Derbyshire Mind are bringing you a week free activities focusing on nature and mental wellbeing.
Please get involved and book tickets to the activities that interest you.
#Mentalhealthawarenessweek 10-16th May 2021 May 5, 2021
During this last year with the pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time. We have seen that the support we all need just isn’t out there.
We must take this opportunity to step up the fight for mental health. That means fighting for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.
For one week each May, the Mental Health Foundation, campaign around a specific theme for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. They have done this each year since 2001.
This years theme is Nature.
If you would like to read more or have a look at the long list of campaign and fundraising ideas that can support this campaign, you can do so here: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Resources for School April 30, 2021
NB: time-to-change
Have a look at these tried and tested sessions, activities, tool kits, training programmes and films with students and staff, to help this generation become more open about mental health than any before.
From lessons, assembliesand tool kitsto resources for parents.
These will help to create an open and supportive culture around Mental Health.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your to-do list seems endless, deadlines are fast approaching and you find yourself saying ‘Eek! I feel stressed!’? But what is stress really, and how does it affect us?
April has been Stress awareness month:
Firstly, let’s debunk one myth: stress is not necessarily a ‘bad’ thing. Without this brilliant ability to feel stress, humankind wouldn’t have survived. Our cavemen ancestors, for example, used the onset of stress to alert them to a potential danger, such as a sabre-toothed tiger.
Stress is primarily a physical response. When stressed, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, from blood being diverted to muscles to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.
Through the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine, the caveman gained a rush of energy, which prepared him to either fight the tiger or run away. That heart pounding, fast breathing sensation is the adrenaline; as well as a boost of energy, it enables us to focus our attention so we can quickly respond to the situation.
In the modern world, the ‘fight or flight’ mode can still help us survive dangerous situations, such as reacting swiftly to a person running in front of our car by slamming on the brakes.
The challenge is when our body goes into a state of stress in inappropriate situations. When blood flow is going only to the most important muscles needed to fight or flee, brain function is minimised. This can lead to an inability to ‘think straight’; a state that is a great hindrance in both our work and home lives. If we are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be detrimental to our health.
When your body goes into a state of stress, we may feel agitated and aggressive towards others; this can be due to our bodies’ natural reaction being “fight”. This can be a helpful reaction to ward off predators, but in unnecessary situations, it can negatively affect relationships and ruin reputations.
Some of us avoid our stressors, removing ourselves from the situation instead of tackling it. This can be a sign of the “flight” survival instinct; a function that can save our lives if we find ourselves in dangerous surroundings. However, in everyday life, this natural instinct can lead to a stressful situation escalating, and increase our stress levels when we realise that the stressor isn’t going away and we need to face it.
Unknown by many, there is a third mode that stress can cause; freeze. For some people, becoming stressed sets the stage for ‘dysregulation’. The energy mobilized by the perceived threat gets “locked” into the nervous system and we ‘freeze’. This response sometimes reveals itself when we breathe. Holding our breath and shallow breathing are both forms of freeze. The occasional deep sigh is the nervous system catching up on its oxygen intake.
You will be asked a series of multiple choice lifestyle questions around common stressors. At the end of the test you will be given a score and a personalised report with recommendations
The Anna Freud Centre has launched its 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, a simple, free and interactive tool to help schools develop a whole setting approach on their own terms. We will be holding five seminars throughout the year based on each of the steps: Leading Change, Working Together, Understanding Need, Promoting Wellbeing and Supporting Staff.
Our latest 5 Steps seminar - Promoting Wellbeing was held on Thursday 4th March 2021.
Stress is something everyone feels at times, and there are all kinds of stressful situations that can be a part of daily life. Low-level stress can even be helpful or motivational.There are plenty of things you can do to help cope with stressful events, and simple steps you can take to deal with feelings of stress or burnout.
Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It's very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.But too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.
Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time can also lead to a feeling of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called burnout.
Top tips to deal with stress and burnout
Split up big tasks
If a task seems overwhelming and difficult to start, try breaking it down into easier chunks, and give yourself credit for completing them.
Allow yourself some positivity
Take time to think about the good things in your life. Each day, consider what went well and try to list 3 things you're thankful for.
Challenge unhelpful thoughts
The way we think affects the way we feel. Watch our video to learn how to challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Planning out any upcoming stressful days or events – a to-do list, the journey you need to do, things you need to take – can really help.
All the above information can be reached at https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress/
Mindfulness Calendar April 19, 2021
Developed by Anna Freud and published through MentallyHealthySchools.org, the Mindfulness Calendar is a fantastic tool comprising of a two-week calendar with daily mindfulness activity suggestions. The simple, short activities encourage children to focus on what’s around them to find a sense of calm.
Importantly, this tool can be adapted easily to help children and young people with any given transition period, whether that be the transition from primary to secondary school, or the return to school after the third UK national lockdown.
Anna Freud, hosted through the MentallyHealthySchools.org.uk platform have created a fantastic and expanding library of dedicated resources. From videos, to assembly plans, information and guidance, online activities and support with school policies and training, there is a huge amount to be found.
There are a wide range of applicable filters, meaning it's quick and easy to find something you are looking for.
These exciting virtual training opportunities are for Derbyshire and Derby City Professionals working with children and young people, and are fully funded by NHS Derby and Derbyshire CCG
To book a place on any of the sessions, please visit the website
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day taking place on the 2nd of April every year. Although your attention and priorities are no doubt focused on the pandemic and its consequences, we would like to encourage you to find out more about autism this week and explore ways to support children and young people on the autism spectrum. We have collected below a few free resources for education professionals wanting to know and do more. All these resources have been developed by leading autism education specialists, academics, people on the autism spectrum and parents of children and young people on the autism spectrum.
For primary and secondary school teaching professionals:
Good Autism Practice Guidance: The eight principles of good autism practice. These summarise the ethos, values, and practice that should inform inclusive education for all children and young people whilst specifying the distinctive knowledge, teaching approaches required. The Guide is designed to support staff in schools to develop effective practice. The case studies serve to illustrate the eight principles. The resources are linked to the new Ofsted Framework, the SEND Code of Practice and the Teacher Standards.
Schools Autism Competency Framework: The framework is presented as a self-evaluation tool that practitioners can use to rate their current practice and understanding against a set of descriptors (knowledge, skills, personal qualities).
Schools Autism Standards: A set of standards from the AET, to enable educational settings to evaluate your practice in addressing the needs of pupils on the autism spectrum.
Meet the AET Young Persons Panel, a group of autistic young people governing and advising our organisation. They have a very important message for you.
This 5-minute video is going to change the way you see your autistic pupils and students and will help you support them better. Watch the video
When someone says they’re suicidal we should listen March 26, 2021
NB: Harmless - Community Interest Company
When someone says they’re suicidal we should listen. It should not be ignored or belittled. It is a big step for someone to be open and vulnerable about suicidal thoughts. If you are worried about someone, reach in. Be there for them. When someone needs help, we all have a part to play. No one should have nowhere to turn.
Self harm and suicide does not discriminate. It can be experienced all genders, ages and ethnicities, by those who are considered rich and successful and those who are not. Harmless and the Tomorrow Project is here to provide hope and recovery to everyone impacted by self harm and suicide.
But you can point them in the direction of someone who can. Explore practical options, like going with them to see their doctor. If you know someone who’s already taken steps to end their life, call 999 to seek emergency help.
Hope, helps
Acknowledge that it might not seem possible now, but change can happen. Remind them that they matter and that help is available, like PAPYRUS helpline, HOPELINEUK. There’s always hope.
The Transition Toolkit March 17, 2021
NB: This is not a free resource, please check the product website for full costings
'Nuture.uk' have put together this bespoke toolkit to help support children and young people with their transition from Primary to Secondary schooling. It also provides teachers (and parents) a comprehensive range of resources to help develop the systems and protocols that effectively support the process.
Please see below also a comprehensive review of the toolkit by Professor Barry Carpenter.
From Mental Health to Mental Wealth March 12, 2021
NB: Art of Brilliance - Workshop sessions
‘Mental Wealth’ builds on the core messages from ‘The Art of Being Brilliant’. The aim is to rediscover the meaning of life (let’s aim high!) and find happiness by changing the way you think, which cascades through your emotions, behaviours and life. As always, the workshop is designed to be fabulous fun and messages are transferrable to work and home.
If you are interested in the workshops follow this link to fill in the form:
Place2Be: “Return to School Resources” March 10, 2021
'Place2Be' has put together a series of resources focused on community recovery, to help headteachers and school staff start to bring their schools back together following recent challenging times.
Viewable online or downloadable as PDFs, click below to view their dedicated primary and secondary education resources:
Inclusiveteach.com: SEN Back to School Resources March 8, 2021
Inclusiveteach.com have put together a collection of resources to support the transition of children back to school during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. As with all inclusiveteach resources these are free to use and designed for pupils with SEN.
Mental Health Foundation: “Returning to School after lockdown” March 5, 2021
The Mental Health Foundation have recently reviewed and updated their information and support pages for the next return to school after the third national lockdown finishes.
There is a range information including tips for teachers, tips for parents and caregivers, tips for school leaders and more.
NSPCC: “Coronavirus: Transitioning Back to School” March 4, 2021
Check below for information and support for children and young people who are transitioning back to school after the end of the third national lockdown in the UK.
Put together by the NSPCC learning division, there a number of resources which includes 2 free podcasts which you can view at any time.
Beat is a leading eating disorder charity in the UK. Founded in 1989 as the 'Eating Disorders Association', their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that effect around 1.25 million people in the UK of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
They operate helplines for both adults and young people, both of which are open 365 days a year from 9am–8pm during the week, and 4pm–8pm on weekends and bank holidays.
There are lots of ways to feel calmer. The trick is finding out what works for each individual. Childline have collected a free-to-use repository of ideas, games, tools and exercises designed to help children and young people stay calm as much as possible.
Launched in May 2019 after a year-long pilot, 'Shout 85258' is a 24/7 confidential UK text messaging service for times when people feel they need immediate support. Anyone of any age, who is a resident in the UK, can text the service for support.
User's should generally receive a reply within 5 minutes, but during peak times this may be longer.
NB: Some Android phones, including the Samsung Galaxy handset, issue a warning that you will be charged for texting us. Provided you are on one of the networks listed here (EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff) this warning is incorrect and you will not be charged.
Website: giveusashout.org Contact: Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 Email: info@giveusashout.org (For service information only)
The Worry Tree February 10, 2021
'The Worry Tree' is a simple NHS-approved cognitive tool for secondary-age students that can help them navigate away from stressful situations and find a new pattern of thinking.
Applying the logic of 'The Worry Tree' can help students to stop dwelling on the things that are out of their control, refocusing their mind on the choices they can make.
Check it out here:
How parents and carers can support children’s mental health and wellbeing February 5, 2021
In a fantastic in-depth yet accessible guest blog for 'Place2Be' Professor Stephen Scott CBE, Professor of Child Health and Behaviour at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, writes about "the role parents and carers can play in supporting their children’s mental health".
‘Place2Be’ – FREE Training Available February 2, 2021
The mental health charity 'Place2Be' has launched its online 5 week CPD certified 'Mental Health Champions - Foundation Programme' to help teachers and other school-based staff gain a deeper understanding of Mental Health. This online course can be an introduction or a refresher.
It's completely free to UK qualified teachers and school-based staff in open groups. To be eligible for the funded programme, you need to have UK QTS, be an NQT or have a permanent role in-school.
There are a range of dates for England-based schools in early March.
Understanding mental health – for young people January 28, 2021
The mental health charity 'Mind' has put together a useful guide for young people to help them gain a greater understanding of mental health, with some quick tips and guides aimed at helping them manage it.
Oak National Academy – FREE resources for Teachers January 18, 2021
Oak National Academy was created in April 2020 as a rapid response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. More than 40 teachers and colleagues from leading education organisations came together to support schools’ efforts to keep children learning.
The 10,000 available lessons and resources cover a wide range of subjects, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 11. And they've also created specialist lessons covering a wide range of learning areas and therapies. There is also a wide-range of mediums, with high-quality videos available throughout.
As well as their lessons for pupils, the Oak Teacher Hub allows schools to choose how best to use the available resources. Teachers can:
Download, edit and adapt lesson slides and worksheets wherever copyright allows
Follow a weekly schedule, or select and share lessons in any order
Share units, lessons or individual resources with fellow teachers or pupils
Support a range of pupils, with captions on all lessons, BSL for the youngest, and printable resources for those without devices.
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupil's Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Click below to listen or download episodes nine and ten - a conversation with the Royal School for the Deaf Derby and St Martins
Episode 9 - Royal School for the Deaf DerbyEpisode 10 - St Martins
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupil's Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Click below to listen or download episodes seven and eight - a conversation with Portway Junior and Redwood Primary School
Episode 7 - Portway JuniorEpisode 8 - Redwood Primary School
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupil's Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Click below to listen or download episodes five and six - a conversation with Landau Forte College and Noel Baker
Episode 5 - Landau Forte CollegeEpisode 6 - Noel Baker
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupil's Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Click below to listen or download episodes three and four - a conversation with Homefields Primary School and Ivy House
Episode 3 - Homefields Primary SchoolEpisode 4 - Ivy House
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupil's Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Click below to listen or download the first two episodes - a conversation with Allenton Primary School and Alvaston Infants and Nursery School
Episode 1 - Allenton Primary SchoolEpisode 2 - Alvaston Infants and Nursery School
Emotionally Healthy Schools Podcast – Coming Soon! December 31, 2020
To celebrate the fantastic things Derby City Schools have achieved while a part of the Emotionally Healthy Schools project in 2019 and 2020, and in lieu of an in-person celebration event, we have put together a short series of Podcasts where some great staff members from a range of Derby City Schools showcase and discuss the developments, advancements and achievements they and their School have realised for the benefit of their pupils Emotional and Mental Health.
The ten episodes of the series will be released in five groups of two, with a new pair dropping each week day from Monday January 4th to Friday 8th January.
Be sure to check the 'Latest News' column on Monday 4th January for the first episodes!
‘But What If…’ December 28, 2020
'But What If...' by Paula Nagel is a story about transition and change which follows the story of Jake, who is finishing Year 6 and about to move up into Secondary School. He is worried about it as he has heard many rumors about how the older children might treat him.
'Badger's Parting Gifts' by Susan Varley is a classic, touching and moving tale of loss and friendship, Badger’s Parting Gifts provides comfort to children who may have lost a loved one and explains that grief can eventually give way to happy memories.
The story revolves around Badger, who is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but when he does die, they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends’ memories of him.
You can also listen to a free online reading of the book by Ruby Dee on YouTube here:
How to have the perfect digital Christmas December 16, 2020
The Parents Zone have put together an interesting set of ideas, games and educational adventures to help inspire anyone with children who might have to do more of Christmas digitally this year. From learning to code to a guide on throwing a virtual party, there is loads to find!
How to cope with the festive period December 11, 2020
First Steps have put together a fantastic Young Persons guide to coping with the festive season. It's been delivered to over 13 000 Derby and Derbyshire school children already, and it has endorsed by colleagues at NHS England CYP Mental Health Midlands Clinical Network to the National Eating Disorders team as a good practice example.
'Ollee' is a free-to-use virtual friend app tailored for children aged 8-11 that helps them think about their feelings, and then seek the support of their parents. Parents can also use it to get advice and support about topics that they think their child might need support with.
Ollee was created by Parent Zone and funded by BBC Children in Need’s A Million & Me initiative, which aims to make a difference to children’s emotional wellbeing.
The 'Eatwell Guide', produced by the NHS, is a repository of information, tips, recipes and some guiding principles collected to help ensure a balanced and healthy diet.
You can download the PDF version of the cover sheet here:
You can also check out this summary video of the main principles of the guide here:
Support for Parents November 27, 2020
It can be extremely difficult for parents to recognise the signs that a child is struggling with their mental health. The NSPCC have a large selection of advice and support tools available for free covering topics such as bullying, cyber-bullying, underage drinking and more.
The 'Compassion in the Classroom' online resource is a repository for any Head Teachers or senior school staff members, of any school in the UK, that are looking to implement a Whole School Approach to wellbeing.
It primarily consists of available in-house initiatives, free resources, a list of interesting readings, and a list of upcoming events and training courses for school staff.
In preparation for Dr. Dan Siegel's upcoming visit to our DSLMH's here in Derby (via Zoom!) we thought it would useful to share some of his resources which can be found on his site (www.drdansiegel.com)
'Everyday Mindsight Tools' are a short but really handy set of helpful free tools. Within them Dr. Siegel leads you through a basic reflective breathing practice, he teaches you how to use the wheel of awareness tool, and he even gives an easy (but really useful) model of the human brain which can be used to teach children and young people about their emotional health.
In preparation for Dr. Dan Siegel's upcoming visit to our DSLMH's here in Derby (via Zoom!) we thought it would useful to share some of his resources which can be found on his site (www.drdansiegel.com)
'The Healthy Mind Platter' contains a feast of 'seven daily essential mental activities' designed to optimize brain matter and create well-being.
The activities are divided up into aspects of time, find out more here:
Parental Help and Support Videos November 13, 2020
In preparation for Dr. Dan Siegel's upcoming visit to our DSLMH's here in Derby (via Zoom!) we thought it would useful to share some of his resources which can be found on his site (www.drdansiegel.com)
Dr. Siegel has helpfully recorded and posted a series of useful parenting support videos to his site covering everything from 'Teaching children about emotional and social intuition', 'How to model good relationships, and even help with 'How to stop yelling at your Kids'.
In preparation for Dr. Dan Siegel's upcoming visit to our DSLMH's here in Derby (via Zoom!) we thought it would useful to share some of his resources which can be found on his site (www.drdansiegel.com)
'The Wheel of Awareness' is a multifaceted visual tool which can be used to aid in focusing attention on different aspects of our emotional and mental health.
Find out more (including some FREE resources) here:
On Thursday 19th November Dr. Dan Seigel, author of New York Times bestseller The Whole Brain Child and the 2004 Parenting from the Inside Out will be coming (via zoom!) to present to our fantastic group of Designated Senior Leads for Mental Health (DSLMH).
If you are a DSLMH and haven't yet signed up to the event, contact Ingrid for more information!
‘Booksfortopics’.com – Mental Health October 29, 2020
The 'BooksForTopics' website was launched in 2015 as a means of helping primary school staff to find high-quality books that are appropriate to use in a primary school setting. It is the creation of Alison Leach, an experienced primary teacher and English lead who knows that it is not always easy to source the right books to use in the classroom amid the time pressures of teaching.
Over time, the number of topic lists increased and the site also began to focus on Reading for Pleasure, with book lists added for each year group and a new Reading for Pleasure Blog featuring the latest children's fiction. More recently, they have been privileged to have contributions from a community of people including teachers, librarians, education lecturers and children's authors. With a panel of 50 reviewers from across the primary education community, they are able to try out new books in a variety of school settings before they recommend them on the website, making sure that they are only recommending the most suitable books for your classrooms.
Bookings are now being taken for the anticipated 'Wellbeing for Education Return' programme. The programme is aimed primarily at the Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health (DSLMH) in each school.
Black History Month – Teacher Resources October 19, 2020
Black History Month takes place every October. You can use this collection of resources pulled together by the BBC to explore black history, heritage, culture and achievements with your class.
Below you'll find content suitable for use with both primary and secondary school pupils. Each resource is accompanied by teacher notes to aid classroom use.
You can also read this article by Josiah Isles, an assistant headteacher who has written about his experiences within the education system as a black teacher in the UK.
Beyond Black History Month: Teaching black and diverse histories and experiences October 16, 2020
In partnership with TES, Beyond Black History Month will broadcast live at 7pm on Wednesday 21 October, 2020 and will last approximately 60 minutes.
Hosted by CBBC Newsround presenter De’Graft Mensah, this panel discussion programme for teachers is an opportunity to discuss and share ideas and best practice around teaching black and diverse histories and experiences.
How does teaching black and diverse history benefit all pupils? What opportunities exist within the current curriculum framework to teach these topics? What can schools do to ensure a balanced and inclusive curriculum?
'For Every Child' is an extraordinary book published by UNICEF which features 14 of the most pertinent rights of the child, carefully chosen and retold in simple, evocative text that can be easily understood by every child.
Each right has been interpreted in a stunning double-page spread by some of the world's most acclaimed artists:
From Britain - Shirley Hughes, Babette Cole, John Burningham and Peter Weevers
‘The Nightmare Catcher’ & ‘The Nightmare Catcher – The Explorers Guide’ October 9, 2020
--With thanks to Rachel Bostwick for the great recommendation!--
'The Nightmare Catcher' is the story of Jay Khan, who just wants to be left ALONE. His best friend's clueless, dad's always working and mum is... well, not doing great. His life is a bit of a mess, but that doesn't matter because after school he becomes the mighty Drift, a powerful warrior tasked with a quest to save the Warden Tree. In the darkness of his room, Jay skilfully moves Drift through the perilous land of Lyf, cutting through all the nightmare creatures that now haunt it. But what about the nightmares that lurk in the sleepy corners of his mind? Will he be able to defeat them?
'The Nightmare Catcher - The Explorers Guide' is the companion book to 'The Nightmare Catcher'. It identifies key parts of the story to explore safely through drama and creative writing activities, providing a step by step explanation of how to do this.
The development of emotional literacy skills, imaginative freedom and a sense of community are facilitated clearly throughout. Through shared story making and philosophical inquiry, the guide aims to support children’s development in managing their own emotional wellbeing and create an exciting space for imaginative exploration!
Lion is off on a school trip to Jungle Land - the most exciting theme park EVER! He should be thrilled, but he cannot stop worrying and it's ruining the trip for him. Can Miss Bird and his friends help him to relax and have fun?
'Lion's in a Flap' by Sue Graves and Trevor Dunton is a "lively picture book that examines the issue of being worried in an amusing but reassuring way through animal characters – perfect for young children who have feelings of anxiety and worry."
It is part of a series Behaviour Matters, which is perfect for sharing with children as a gentle means of discussing their emotions, boosting self-esteem and reinforcing good behaviour. Each book has a fun story featuring fantastic characters which is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together. They support the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
This FREE tool was designed by the Sleep Council to help improve the quality of your sleep in just 4 weeks. All you need to do is answer a series of questions based on your sleep, health and lifestyle. There are just under 20 questions, they are all multiple-choice, and are written in an easy to understand way.
7 Steps to a better night’s sleep September 23, 2020
A good night’s rest is essential to a healthy existence, protecting you physically and mentally as well as boosting your quality of life. It also plays a significant role in healing and repairing your heart and blood vessels. It helps us maintain a healthy weight and a good balance of hormones, as well as controlling sugar levels. In terms of mental health, a great night’s sleep makes the brain work properly. It helps us to learn, remember, solve problems and make decisions, as well as safeguarding against stress, mood swings and depression.
Check out this detailed 7 step guide produced by the Sleep Council designed to help its user get a betters night sleep:
Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing affect all aspects of our lives and health choices. Mental wellbeing is about feeling good and functioning well, as individuals and as communities. It is also about our ability to cope with life’s challenges and making the most of life’s opportunities.
This website has been designed collaboratively by professionals who work across Derby & Derbyshire to help plan and deliver care & support for people who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, or just want to feel happier.
The site is aimed at professionals, members of the public, children and young people who wish to access local services or just require further information on the services that are available to them.
Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), World Suicide Prevention Day brings together a wide-range of charities and organisations from right across the globe on the 10th of September every year to raise awareness and help prevent premature deaths by suicide.
You can find out more by visiting the IASP website, or the dedicated Suicide Prevention Day website, both of which can be found here:
Alternatively, check out the IASP Presidents message for this years WSPD:
60 Mindful Minutes September 7, 2020
This programme, designed by NutureUK, was put together to support children and young people within both the mainstream classroom context and nurture group setting. The key aim is to introduce and practice mindfulness, which increases children’s life skills by supporting them in developing the ability to soothe and calm themselves; to pay attention to themselves in the world and to think about and reflect upon their actions and their relationships.
Please be aware that this product is not free, and does require purchase.
Guided Meditation for Children September 3, 2020
Annaka Harris, author of the New York Times bestseller CONSCIOUS: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind (HarperCollins, June 2019), has put together a free to access and comprehensive set of mindfulness activities designed for children and young people.
They include activities for all the senses, as well as activities designed to help children "settle at the end of the day"
'The National Self Harm Network' (NSHM) is an online forum which seeks to support individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life, support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm, raise awareness of the needs of people who self harm, dispel myths and combat discrimination, and empower and enable those that self harm to seek alternatives to self harm and further help where appropriate.
The forum provides crisis support, information and resources, advice, discussions and distractions, is closely monitored and available 24/7.
LEGO®-based therapy is a social development programme for young people with autism spectrum disorders or related social communication difficulties. [It is also known as "LEGO therapy" but that term is disallowed by LEGO trademark laws]. It was originally developed by Dr. Dan LeGoff, a Paediatric Neuropsychologist in the USA. He noticed that otherwise uncommunicative children came together and started to talk when LEGO® bricks were around.
Young people work together to build LEGO® models and through this have the opportunity to develop social skills such as turn taking, collaboration and social communication.
LEGO®-based therapy can be used individually or in groups. Natural opportunities for developing social competence are facilitated by the therapist.
Key to this approach is how engaging and enjoyable it is for the participants! Building LEGO® collaboratively is great fun, and young people develop social skills while enjoying themselves.
You can find out more about the programme, as well as how to become an accredited trainer in the technique, on the dedicated website here:
Standing up to stigma in your school August 24, 2020
'Time To Change' have put together a large repository of videos, blogs, posters and other downloadable and interactive resources for pupils, teachers and parents/carers to help raise awareness and tackle the issues related to stigma in school.
The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum geared toward helping students gain skills in consciously regulating their actions, which in turn leads to increased control and problem solving abilities. Using a cognitive behaviour approach, the curriculum’s learning activities are designed to help students recognise when they are in different states called “zones,” with each of four zones represented by a different colour. In the activities, students also learn how to use strategies or tools to stay in a zone or move from one to another. Students explore calming techniques, cognitive strategies, and sensory supports so they will have a toolbox of methods to use to move between zones. To deepen students’ understanding of how to self-regulate, the lessons set out to teach students these skills: how to read others’ facial expressions and recognise a broader range of emotions, perspective about how others see and react to their behaviour, insight into events that trigger their less regulated states, and when and how to use tools and problem solving skills.
The curriculum’s learning activities are presented in 18 lessons. To reinforce the concepts being taught, each lesson includes probing questions to discuss and instructions for one or more learning activities. Many lessons offer extension activities and ways to adapt the activity for individual student needs. The curriculum also includes worksheets, other handouts, and visuals to display and share. These can be photocopied from this book or printed from the accompanying CD or USB drive. In addition, the Zones of Regulation poster can be purchased to support these concepts in the classroom.
'Our Time' supports and champions young people affected by parental mental illness.
They have established monthly safe-space orientated support groups for children at risk of isolation and exclusion called 'KidsTime Workshops', as well as an educational training programme, for both primary and secondary schools, designed to help teachers and staff identify young people affected by parental mental illness, and offer the support they need called 'Who Cares?'.
Responding to a death in the School Community August 13, 2020
The Child Bereavement Network has put together this helpful list of contacts, further information and statistics to help when a member of the school community dies.
7 things you shouldn’t do if you’re being bullied August 10, 2020
Ditch The Label have created this short, helpful guide designed to support children and young people in making the correct choices when being bullied by identifying what not to do.
If you need or someone around you needs treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to NHS care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem.
'The Wild Network' group has teamed up with Smart Energy GB and TV presenter, Helen Skelton, to create ‘42 Days of Summer’ - a checklist of daily activities for you to take part in, all geared around having fun whilst saving energy.
From creating a time capsule to becoming an energy-waste detective, there is a whole host of ideas to enjoy over the holidays. Download the activity sheet below and join families up and down the country in adding more #wildtime into your day.
Check out the list and download your own copy here:
Ditch The Label have put together a useful set of their "Top 10 tips for overcoming bullying" and its a very helpful resource for any young person currently experiencing bullying.
ASK email service for Bereaved Children and Young people July 28, 2020
Winston's Wish is a specialist bereavement charity which provides a free "Ask Email" service for children of all ages who may need support with a recent bereavement, have any questions about being bereaved, or would prefer not to talk to an adult in their immediate lives directly.
There is a simple proforma for them to complete, but they do require an email address in order to receive a reply. Children under 13 may therefore require support to fill out the form correctly.
How to explain funerals to young children July 24, 2020
Child Bereavement UK have put together a short (under 3 minutes) video designed to help parents, carers, teachers and other adults in a young child's life tackle the difficult issue of helping them understand death and funerals.
‘Clear Fear’ – A free app to help “face your fear” July 21, 2020
Clear Fear is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and uses the evidence-based treatment CBT to focus on learning to reduce the physical responses to threat by learning to breathe, relax and be mindful as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and respond very well to a form of treatment called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT.
The app can be personalised if you so wish and you will be able to track your progress and notice change.
‘Clear Harm’ – A free app to help overcome anxiety July 17, 2020
Calm Harm is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, using the basic principles of an evidence-based therapy called Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
The app provides tasks to help children and young people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. Calm Harm can be made private by setting a password, and personalised in other ways. Users can track their progress and notice changes over time.
And you can also check out the promotional video for the app here:
‘Combined Minds’ – A free mental health support app July 14, 2020
Combined Minds is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, to help families and friends support young people with their mental health.
When a child or young person has a diagnosed mental health condition, families and friends want to support them in the best way but also know when to step back. Combined Minds uses a ‘Strengths-Based’ Approach which has been shown to be effective in recovery. This approach focuses on the positive attributes of the person and builds on resourcefulness and resilience.
Combined Minds helps families and friends to find ways to provide the right environment to help the individuals they support affect their own change. As important influencers in the lives of young people, this provides positive impact on their mental health.
A ‘Strengths-Based’ Approach works both ways, also helping families and friends to search for their own strengths.
You can also check out the apps explanation/promotional video here:
The NHS Apps Library July 9, 2020
The NHS has put together a long and extensive list of helpful paid-for and free apps that are available to help members of the public with any aspect of their physical or mental health.
There is a wide-range of apps that are listed which can help with mental health specifically, with the website allowing users to filter by the area of health they are looking for support with. Users can also filter the list by price, searching for specifically free or paid-for options.
Click the link below to visit the NHS Apps Library with the mental health filter pre-loaded:
‘My Back to School Bubble’ is a new e-book which aims to help children understand the new protective measures that may be in place at their school, in an age-appropriate way.
It reinforces public health messages including the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene, while reassuring children that everyone makes mistakes, helping to combat feelings of anxiety, that have been reported by parents.
The published story is available as a free download and can be found alongside other COVID-19 resources on the e-Bug website which you can access here: 'My Back To School Bubble'
Natasha Devon MBE July 2, 2020
Natasha Devon MBE is is a writer & activist who tours schools, colleges, universities and events throughout the world, delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health, body image, gender and social equality. She campaigns both on and offline to make the world a fairer place, and was awarded an MBE for her efforts in the 2015 Queens Birthday honors list.
She writes regularly for a number of publications, including the Guardian and Grazia Magazine and has had columns in Cosmopolitan Magazine between 2012 and 2015 and in the TES between 2015 and 2019. Her ‘mind manual’ – ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Being Mental: An A-Z’ was published in May 2018 by Bluebird Books at Pan Macmillan.
Natasha also runs a popular podcast called "Staying Sane" which is styled as her "guide to staying sane in quarantine." You can check out all of the episodes of "Staying Sane":https://play.acast.com/s/factorbull/stayingsane-episode1
You can also find out more about Natasha and her work at her website here:
Anna Freud – Coronavirus Mental Health Support June 30, 2020
The children, young people and their families mental health charity Anna Freud has put together a fantastic set of support tools and resources on their website, which is very helpfully broken down into different sections:
Support for young people
Support for parents & carers
Support for Schools & Colleges
Support for early years
Support for mental health professionals
Each section contains a range of useful tools, including resources that are downloadable, in the form of videos, or links to other organisations.
Head over to their website to check it out now: https://bit.ly/3fQJIVu
‘Clear Fear’ – A free app to help overcome anxiety June 25, 2020
Clear Fear is a free app developed for teenage mental health charity Stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and uses the evidence-based treatment CBT to focus on learning to reduce the physical responses to threat by learning to breathe, relax and be mindful as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions.
Clear Fear is recommended for use by children and young people in the ages of 11-19 years. Younger users can work on several of the tasks that are available with the assistance and support of a parent/carer or teacher.
It can be downloaded onto both Android or Apple IOS devices, and is reviewed and updated every three months to ensure the app is clinically valid.
You can check out the promotional video for the app from Stem4 here below, as well as the apps dedicated webpage: clearfear.co.uk
YoungMinds – Coronavirus Mental Health Support June 22, 2020
The mental health charity YoungMinds has created a useful repository of helpful information, links, blogs and other resources designed to help ensure that young people feel supported during the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The repository covers a number of topics including:
Support with losing a loved-one during the pandemic
Dealing with low mood as a result of the news coverage
Specific help with eating disorders during the lockdown
Support with anxiety and anxiety-related issues during the pandemic
T.I.C.T (Targeted Intervention Community Triage) – Interim Direct Referral Service June 17, 2020
The Targeted Intervention Community Triage has been set up as an interim service to direct referrals from professionals to a range of community providers offering:
1:1 targeted interventions to support children and young people across Derbyshire with low to moderate level mental health needs at this particularly difficult time.
1:1 therapeutic counselling
1:1 peer support sessions via multi-media platforms.
These free sessions can help children and young people who are registered with a Derbyshire GP who are experiencing depression, low mood, bereavement, stress, panic or anxiety and aims to enable them to cope better and prevent further escalation of issues.
Professionals can make a referral by completing the online referral form. An experienced therapist will contact the child or young person or parent to complete a triage assessment and make individualised recommendations and appropriate onward referrals within 3 working days.
If you need further guidance about the TICT offer and process, please contact your local CAMHS Specialist Community Adviser.
None COVID-19 related referrals can continue to be made into the Build Sound Minds service.
PSHE Matters – Free resources for families of Primary age children June 3, 2020
The below leaflets provide fun, interesting and easy to conduct activities for families to learn more about topics such as Mental Health, dealing with change, and forming positive relationships.
The leaflets were developed to enhance the PSHE Curriculum that primary schools currently deliver. The theme of the leaflets supports the 12 different modules that feature in the resource: ‘PSHE Matters a Curriculum for Primary Schools.
You can view the online version or download a free copy of the leaflets here:
Free Seminar Series – Staff and Pupil Mental Health June 1, 2020
The Bupa UK Foundation and the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools have launched a new seminar series for School Leaders, Senior Mental Health and Pastoral Leads which focuses on the mental wellbeing of staff, pupils and the wider community as schools re-open.
The Seminar Series will feature pre-recorded bite-sized seminars, action planning templates, resources and FAQs with a focus on:
Staff mental health:
Supporting staff to feel ready to ‘return’ – This seminar explores the important questions to ask staff, coaching tips for conversations about how people are feeling and how best to communicate with your team. It will also share resources your staff can use to help support students
Responding to staff needs – This seminar looks at the different ways you can respond to your staff’s needs as this transition period continues and gives a three-step action plan for your longer term support strategy.
Adjusting to a changed school/college - This seminar explores what a leader can do to support staff with change. It’s based on psychological theory of change and has clear take-aways you can implement and share with your SLT.
Pupil mental health:
Preparing to welcome students back - This seminar explores the core purpose and main activities of the school and college following the lockdown and how these might change with an ongoing pandemic which is likely to last for several months. The webinar covers evidence-informed strategies which can adapted to help reduce further harm, assist with recovery and promote safeguarding across the whole school community.
Welcoming the students back... the first few weeks – This seminar explores the choices faced by schools and colleges for their the first few weeks when pupils start to return. It looks at some of the practical but highly effective strategies schools and colleges can use to support pupils as they reintegrate into school and college life.
Supporting vulnerable pupils and those in transition - This seminar draws on emerging evidence that will help school leaders develop strategies to support a potentially growing number of vulnerable students. It also explores some of the more prevalent mental health needs and the disruption to transition caused by the crisis.
If you are a School Leader / School Mental Health Lead / Pastoral Leader please register here using your school email address and sending your name, organisation name and local authority.
We look forward to welcoming you to our seminar series.
Posted on behalf of Bupa UK Foundation and the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools
#Mentalhealthawarenessweek – Virtual Get Togethers and Fun! May 22, 2020
Don't forget that this week is #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek with a theme of #Kindness. Over the weekend don't forget to try this handy list of fun ideas for virtual fundraising and get togethers from the Mental Health Foundation who sponsor and run the week itself:
#Mentalhealthawarenessweek – Kindness May 20, 2020
Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme this year is kindness, focusing on kindness to others, kindness to yourself, and helping spread kindness wherever we can. The Mental Health Foundation have put together this fantastic video explaining why they've chosen it:
#Mentalhealthawarenessweek – 18-24th May May 18, 2020
Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. We believe that mental health is everyone’s business. So, for one week each May, the Mental Health Foundation campaign around a specific theme for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
They've done so each year since 2001.
The theme this year is kindness, with millions of people engaging in the campaign each time.
If you would like to read more or have a look at the long list of campaign and fundraising ideas that can support this campaign, you can do so here:
A Recovery Curriculum: Loss and Life for our children and schools post pandemic.
'Evidence for Learning' has published a 'Think Piece' co-authored by Professor Barry Carpenter (Professor of Mental Health in Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK) and Matthew Carpenter (Principal, Baxter College, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK) regarding what they term as the 'Recovery Curriculum' for when children in the UK return and re-enter schools.
‘Ruby’s Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book’ May 15, 2020
Ruby's Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book is a perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children's bookshelves. From Tom Percival's bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be. With rave reviews, this book can be the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries.
You can read more about the book or purchase a copy here:
'P.E with Joe' is an online, YouTube-based, exercise tool designed by the British Fitness Coach Joe Wicks in order to help children across the UK stay fit and active during the period of the COVID-19 School closures.
There are now over 10 hours of content (comprised of 10-30 minute individual videos) available for use online for FREE, and they were designed specifically for Children and Young People of all ages.
You can also watch the initial announcement video here:
‘A Terrible Thing Happened’ April 24, 2020
Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better.
'A Terrible Thing Happened' is a powerful children’s book for little ones who have witness traumatic event, whether it was abuse, bullying, natural disasters, suicides, etc. It also provides you, the adult, with ways to help traumatized children overcome these dark days.
If you would like to read more about the book or purchase a copy you can do so here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘The Teenage Guide to Stress’ April 17, 2020
'The Teenage Guide to Stress' - written for teenagers but essential for adults who want to understand - tackles all the external stresses that teenagers face, including feelings of anger, sadness (and depression), fear and failure; issues caused by changing bodies, body hatred, weight problems, eating disorders and self-harm; pressures of exams and schoolwork; sleep problems; changing relationships with friends and family; boyfriend/girlfriend issues and sexual pressures; bullying and cyber-bullying; problems arising from the internet; and looks at how pre-existing conditions such as OCD and dyslexia may be affected by adolescence. As well as a sympathetic, practical and positive look at all those stresses, The Teenage Guide to Stress clearly explains the biology behind stress and, crucially, a huge range of strategies and suggestions to deal with it and prevent negative symptoms. A list of useful resources completes this fantastically wide-ranging, reassuring, eye-opening and comprehensive guide for young people, empowering them to take control of their mental health.
If you would like to read more or buy a copy you can do so here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’ April 3, 2020
Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.
Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.
Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.
The Guardian review for the book opens with "This book was fantastic. Anyone dealing with any kind of mental illness needs to read this."
If you would like to read more or purchase a copy you can do so here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘The Very Cranky Bear’ March 27, 2020
'The Very Cranky Bear' is about helping other’s cheer up when they’re not feeling so happy. Not only does it teach children and young people about being unhappy but it also teaches them about helping others who are struggling.
In the Jingle, jangle jungle, four friends encounter a very cranky bear. Moose, Lion and Zebra all think they know how to cheer him up, but it's plain, boring Sheep who has the answer. This is a hilarious picture book, with the over-riding message being: Don't underestimate the quiet ones! Sometime a little thought is all you need to solve a problem instead of rushing to immediate action.
If you would like to read more about 'The Very Cranky Bear' or purchase a copy, you can do so here - www.amazon.co.uk
P.E with Joe – The Body Coach TV March 25, 2020
Fitness coach, Joe Wicks, has offered to become the UK's PE teacher by running free classes every weekday for children and their parents to keep fit while self-isolating. The trainer was due to start a school tour to promote fitness and healthy living this week, but the COVID-19 outbreak changed those plans when schools were told to close.
Joe's YouTube channel currently has a couple of episodes dating back to Monday 23rd of March, and promises to keep uploading new 30-minute 9AM workouts for the foreseeable future.
'Be Kind', written by the award winning author Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill, is a moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference - or at least help a friend.
Mosquitoland is a challenging but thoughtful and often funny story about it's main character Mim and her road trip across the USA to visit her sick mother. Along the way the journey takes a few unforeseen turns and she meets a cast of fellow travelers, all of which help to redefine her notions of love, loyalty, and what it means to be sane.
Dealing with questions of family, defying stereotypes, the nature of psychology and more, 'Mosquitoland' is a suitable book for any teenager.
If you would like to find out more about 'Mosquitoland' you can do so here - www.goodreads.com and you can purchase a copy here - www.amazon.co.uk
Derby Opportunity Area – The Good News Blog March 6, 2020
This week the Emotionallyhealthschools.org site and (more importantly) some fantastic Derby Schools were showcased by the Derby Opportunity Area's 'Good News Blog'.
The blog post contains two brilliant case studies - one from Asterdale Primary School and the other from Allestree Woodlands - check out the amazing things they're up to here - http://bit.ly/336lUYN
‘A Volcano in my Tummy: Helping Children to Handle Anger’ February 28, 2020
'A Volcano in my Tummy' presents a clear and effective approach to helping children and adults alike understand and deal constructively with children's anger. Using easy to understand yet rarely taught skills for anger management, including how to teach communication of emotions, 'A Volcano in My Tummy 'offers engaging, well-organised activities which help to overcome the fear of children's anger which many adult care-givers experience. By carefully distinguishing between anger the feeling, and violence the behavior, this accessible little book, primarily created for ages 6 to thirteen, helps to create an awareness of anger, enabling children to relate creatively and harmoniously at critical stages in their development.
Through activities, stories, articles, and games designed to allow a multi-subject, developmental approach to the topic at home and in school, A Volcano in My Tummy gives us the tools we need to put aside our problems with this all-too-often destructive emotion,
If you would like to find out more or purchase a copy of the book you can do here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘Lucy’s Blue Day’ February 21, 2020
Lucy is a very special little girl with magical hair. It changes colour with her emotions. If she is feeling happy, it is purple. If she is jealous, it will turn green. This charming story is the tale of when Lucy wakes up and her hair is blue, and she doesn't understand why. She soon learns that it is OK to not be OK.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews from celebrities and personalities such as Stephen Fry and Lorraine Kelly, 'Lucy's Blue Day' is a fantastic story for helping children and young people to understand their emotions.
If you want to find out more about the story, you can do so here - www.lucysblueday.com
‘All the Bright Places’ February 14, 2020
Described as "a heart-rending, stylish love story" that deals with issues of "depression, bereavement and relationships", 'All the Bright Place' is a highly recommended New York Times #1 Bestseller Young Adult novel from the award-winning author Jennifer Niven. The story follows main characters Theodore Finch and Violet Markey on their "impressively layered, lived-in and real" journey of discovery.
#Childrensmentalhealthweek – Redwood Primary School February 8, 2020
As it's Children's Mental Health Week this week we asked our fantastic Derby City Schools what they're getting up to so we can shine a spotlight on some of the great work in the city. Today we're shining that light on:
The staff at redwood have spent this children's mental health week focusing getting the whole school and all it's pupils to think about mindfulness and mindfulness strategies.
During the week "Relax Kids" (a derby based external agency which you can find more out about here) are coming into Redwood to teach the children some simple to learn but highly effective peer-to-peer massage techniques.
Across the week the pupils at redwood will be also be looking at breathing and how and where we all breathe from, making use of the pupils teddy bears/cuddly toys as a helpful aid.
#Childrensmentalthealthweeek – Rosehill Infants and Nursery School February 7, 2020
As it's Children's Mental Health Week this week we asked our fantastic Derby City Schools what they're getting up to so we can shine a spotlight on some of the great work in the city. Today we're shining that light on:
Rosehill Infants and Nursery school have had an active and exciting Children's Mental Health Week with staff mixing in a range of activities to the schools daily routine to help their pupils find their brave including thought-exercises, sports, food nutrition and arts and crafts. Each of the planned events not only benefits the pupils, but they also link directly into the schools long-term action for mental health and wellbeing.
At the start of each day across the week pupils at Rosehill have been treated to a 'wake up and shake up' activity to get them smiling and motivated.
This has been followed up with different activities each day, including 'Funtrition' (provided by the school's sports provider 'Premier Sports'), which aims to inspire children, parents, teachers, friends and families to make healthy lifestyle choices, through a series of interactive, practical, fun and thought provoking lessons.
Rosehill pupils proudly displaying their fantastic 'Funtrition' posters
These lessons are based around the main principles of keeping healthy – eating well, drinking well, moving well and sleeping well.
A proud and smiling Rosehill student holds their finished 'emotion potion'.
Pupils have also had the opportunity to make 'emotions potions' where they mix water, colored glitter and glue in a bottle to symbolize and start an active teacher-led debate about the different emotions we all feel and how they can effect us.
Rosehill have also chosen Children's mental health week as the ideal time of year to launch their new 'Playground Friend' role which has been spearheaded by the pupils themselves through the school council.
#Childrensmentalhealthweek – Royal School for the Deaf Derby February 6, 2020
As it's Children's Mental Health Week this week we asked our fantastic Derby City Schools what they're getting up to so we can shine a spotlight on some of the great work in the city. Today we're shining that light on:
The staff at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby have planned a week's calendar of fun and thoughtful events to help their students find their brave!
This includes Tuesday's 'Find your Brave' assembly led by the schools safeguarding and wellbeing lead and a series of mindfulness activities on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday break-times led by the schools team of student 'Anti-Stigma Ambassadors' in the art room.
The staff are also planning to take full advantage of the free resources 'Place2Be' (the organizers of Children's Mental Health Week) offers, asking their secondary and post-16 tutors to guide the students through a daily 'find your brave' activity to really get them thinking.
Primary age students will be able to make the most of the wide range of fun activities across the week, culminating in Friday's special assembly just for them.
Topping off the week there will also be a whole school non-uniform day on Friday with £1 voluntary donations going straight to Place2be to help support the charity to continue its work.
#Childrensmentalhealthweek – Ivy House School February 5, 2020
As it's Children's Mental Health Week this week we asked our fantastic Derby City Schools what they're getting up to so we can shine a spotlight on some of the great work in the city. Today we're shining that light on:
The staff at Ivy House have put together a raft of exciting activities and experiences for it's pupils this Children's Mental Health Week all in aid of helping them to find their Brave.
This includes a wide range of arts and crafts and play-based exercises, including things like 'Sound Bath Therapy', 'Reflexology', 'Sensory Stories', a 'beauty spa' and a trip to the schools Sensory Room for the Cinema. On Thursday they're also planning a wonderful sounding 'Mindfulness Walk' (weather permitting!) for the pupils who will no doubt have a great time learning and playing with the sensory nature toys.
Topping off the week is Friday's 'Bravery Celebration' in the school hall which is being paired with a 'Disco Party' after for all pupils. In the 'Bravery Celebration' event one child from each class will be presented with a 'Bravery Award' and certificate in recognition of their finding their brave!
‘The Rest of Us Just Live Here’ January 31, 2020
'The Rest of Us Just Live Here' is described as a " bold and irreverent" novel for young adults that "powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable".
Written by Patrick Ness, the novel asks readers to consider - What if you aren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death? What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again. Sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.
'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers is a thoroughly charming children's book about what happens when a young boy finds a wayward penguin outside of his front door.
Winner of the Nestle Smarties Book Prize (2005) and the Blue Peter Book Award (2006), 'Lost and Found' seeks to convey lessons of friendship, inclusivity and the importance of forming connections with other human-beings.
If you would like to find out more about the book you can do so here - www.oliverjeffers.com - and if you like to grab a copy you can do here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘Blue Chameleon’ January 10, 2020
With a subtle and witty interplay between words and illustrations'Blue Chameleon' is an introduction to colours and shapes (and chameleons!) which is sure to delight everyone, from the youngest child upwards.
Written by multiple award winning author Emily Gravett, 'Blue Chameleon' contains a subtle humor and tone which will help anyone that reads it conceptualise themes of inclusivity and self-confidence.
If you would like to find out more information about the book you can do so here - www.emilygravett.com - if you would like to purchase a copy you can do so here - www.amazon.co.uk
‘My Hidden Chimp’ December 20, 2019
My Hidden Chimp, by consultant Psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, is an educational book for children to work through with an adult or by themselves. The book offers parents, teachers and carers some ideas and thoughts on how to help children to develop healthy habits for life.
It features easy to follow explanations and simple strategies to help children understand how their mind works. With ten habits to put into practice, such as smiling, saying sorry and talking about your feelings, children can work on managing their behaviour and emotions and understand why they sometimes behave and feel the way they do.
The science behind the habits is discussed in a practical way with exercises and activities. The neuroscience of the mind is simplified for children to understand and then use to their advantage.
If you want to find more information about 'My Hidden Chimp' you can do so here - chimpmanagement.com - and you can buy a copy of the book here - www.amazon.co.uk
Raising Resilient Children December 13, 2019
Resilience is the ability to overcome serious hardship and to ‘bounce back’ from adversity. Factors that support resilience include personal skills, positive relationships, community support and cultural connections.
Actions to increase resilience can be targeted at different levels – they can aim to increase achievements of pupils; to support them through transitions and encourage healthy behaviors; to promote better interpersonal relationships between people – particularly parents or carers and children; and to create more supportive, cohesive schools that support both pupils and the wider community
There are a range of books for parents, carers and other people involved in the lives of children and young people designed to support and provide guidance on how to ensure resilience in children and young people.
The Whole School Approach at St Martins December 11, 2019
On Tuesday19th November we visited St Martins specialist school in Alvaston, Derby to see how the school has fully embraced and embedded a whole school approach to its young people's Emotional and Mental Health.
The first thing that is apparent when visiting St Martins and speaking to the staff for the first time is the absolute passion they have for their young people's emotional and mental wellbeing. Throughout the visit it became clear that creating a supportive environment for their young people's emotional and mental wellbeing sits closely allied to providing a meaningful and quality education. Crucially, and as was emphasised to us by our tour guide, the schools DSLMH Emma Banks, the two sit in parallel with each other occupying equal states of importance in the culture of the school. After all, as Emma says, "young people can't learn when they're in a bad place emotionally."
St Martins has embedded the emotional and mental wellbeing culture through the application of mechanisms and support into all aspects of school life - from the governance and leadership structures, the mindset of the teaching staff, the structure of the timetable, the approach to teaching and the curriculum itself and even to the design and layout of the walls and noticeboards.
In particular, the use of parallel governance and leadership structures that have a specific remit of mental health and wellbeing across the school seems vital. Having a group of Governors and Assistant Headteacher Laura Crawford to strategically lead wellbeing across the school ensures inclusion of emotional and mental wellbeing and embeds it in the strategy of the school. The pupils themselves are then integrated into the system through a well-being committee which is a part of the student council structure, which itself links directly to the Governors.
This is then reinforced and anchored in the day-to-day actions of the school by Emma's team of wellbeing support staff who (alongside other things) operate a simple but effective system of pupil and staff referrals for extra support. Any teacher can refer a pupil or a pupil can refer themselves, and once their needs are assessed by the team, they will unlock a myriad of individualised and bespoke interventions to support that young person.
These interventions can range from a simple 1-to-1 conversation to an individualised timetable for that particular young person. Importantly, these interventions aren't necessarily off-the-shelf solutions brought in from external organisations - they are most often designed as specific, bespoke and individual solutions to the needs of that young person.
Emma recognised that by no means was the system St Martins have implemented perfect or easy at times - in the past it had over-relied on individual members of staff and suffered as a result of those staff taking time away. There had also been some issues regarding teacher buy-in and a contention around taking a young person out of classes, particularly on a regular basis. However, after three successive 'Outstanding' ratings by Ofsted and a larger wellbeing staff team the results clearly speak for themselves.
If you have any direct questions for Emma or if you would like to discuss any of the details above in further depth, don't hesitate to send her an email at - E.Banks@stmartins.derby.sch.uk. You can also contact Laura Crawford, St Martins Assistant Headteacher, SENCO and Designated Safeguarding Lead at - L.Crawford@stmartins.derby.sch.uk
‘The Big Book Of Blobs’ December 6, 2019
The Big Book of Blobs, written by Pip Wilson and Ian Long, is a useful (and highly photocopiable(!)) tool for helping Primary and Secondary school children to explore their feelings.
Blob characters are depicted in many different situations which can be used as a springboard for meaningful discussion on a range of issues and topics. The Blobs are often organised into themes of places, issues, occasions and personal development, and include scenarios such as the beach, cinema, city, concert, home, playground, bullying, death, fame, money, parents, romance, sleep, Christmas, Easter, Olympics, body, caring and feelings.
'The Big Book of Blobs' is used regularly at Redwood Primary School by Sue Smith, a learning mentor, who has found it very useful in helping pupils who otherwise struggle to express their feelings open up. The blobs are most useful when used in the initial stages of a conversation or intervention with a pupil, and can help to identify and stimulate a discussion around what that pupil is feeling.
Please Note: There are differently age appropriate Blobs, whereby some may be seen doing things which you may not consider appropriate, (such as carrying or shooting guns), so make sure to look over the blobs before using them!
PASS Survey at CODA November 25, 2019
Mr. R Meehan, Assistant Head at the City of Derby Academy (CODA), talked to the Emotionally Health Schools team about the implementation, benefits and practicalities of using the PASS survey at the School for the first time.
CODA has over the last academic year implemented the PASS survey as a part of a larger suite of GL assessments to help "measure aspects of life at school that weren't otherwise measured". Targeted specifically at years 7 - 10 to avoid disruption to year 11 exams, students were given up to 20 minutes to fill in the survey one form-group at a time after being briefed by their teacher about the survey's purpose. Mr Meehan indicated that the cost of the survey had been covered by the Pupil Premium funding received by the School.
The results of the survey are broken down into multiple levels across a number of different demographics such as school year, gender and nationality and are then graded through a traffic light system. Once completed, the results were then shared with all staff at CODA, not just teaching staff. Mr Meehan emphasized that he felt it was important for all staff to see the schools position to really embed a whole school approach and awareness to its pupil's mental and emotional health.
The results of the survey allowed CODA to see both the areas of strength and the areas of improvement across the entire picture of the school, with most of the results coming out as Green highlighting the good work undertaken by the school already. The survey was then embedded with existing support structures in the school - those pupils who came out Amber were passed to CODA's pupil-led 'Wellbeing Ambassador' team, and those that came out as Red were passed to the schools 'Pastoral team' for 1-to-1 interventions.
While it was useful for CODA to see the breakdown in that way, Mr Meehan warned schools to consider the total numbers of students in any given group before acting. If there are only a handful of students in a given category, can the results in that category be considered as statistically significant? Mr Meehan indicated that where an issue was identified in a smaller cohort by the survey, individual results were given greater weight to gain a fuller understanding.
When asked what he felt the limitations to the survey were, Mr Meehan outlined firstly that there was no indication in the results of how long pupils had taken to fill in the survey. Mr Meehan questioned the accuracy of the answers given by a pupil that may rushed through and completed the survey in 5 or so minutes, although because of this missing information it was impossible to tell. Mr Meehan also raised an issue regarding pupil comprehension of the survey questions, although this was mitigated by a clear and concise briefing by the form-tutor at the start of the exercise.
When asked if he would recommend the survey to other schools in Derby City that might be considering it, Mr Meehan indicated that it is a useful tool, it was worth doing but any school that is considering it should do so more than once in order to see the 'distance traveled' and improvements year-to-year.
The Pass Survey is appropriate for use in both Primary and Secondary schools, If you would like to read more about the Pass Survey, click here.
‘Pansy Boy’ November 14, 2019
Pansy Boy is a picture book written and illustrated by artist Paul Harfleet. Rhyming couplets tell the story of a boy who revels in the joys of summer, exploring the flora and fauna around him. Reluctantly he returns to school where he is subjected to incessant bullying. Intelligent and bright, he is driven to create a plan to reclaim his school.
Pansy Boy is a creative extension of Paul Harfleet’s ongoing artwork, The Pansy Project. The artist has been planting pansies at the site of homophobia since 2005 and it is this revelation that ends Pansy Boy, bringing the concept into the real world.
The author wrote Pansy Boy for his seven year old self. Designed to offer children of all ages an alternative version of childhood that transcends stereotype. Equally the book is an educational device that celebrates art, ornithology, horticulture and is a tool to help discuss playground bullying and burgeoning sexual identity.
Published by Barbican Press and available on Amazon and in bookstores from summer 2017 for more on Barbican Press.
Mental Health First Aid Training Available November 5, 2019
Derbyshire County Council have launched new training dates to increase awareness, knowledge and skills across Derbyshire.
There are two Mental Health First Aid courses available, one for supporting adults and one for supporting young people. Youth courses are available free of charge, with Adult courses available at a subsidised rate for Derby City Schools.
You can find more information about the range of courses here or get in touch with us using the contact us page.
Time To Change – ‘In Your Corner’ – Free Assembly Resources November 4, 2019
The national mental health organisation 'Time To Change' (run by 'Mind') has launched its November campaign "In Your Corner", which comes with a raft of free assembly plans and videos for schools. Over 700 schools are already taking part.
IN FOCUS: Every Mind Matters – Your Mind Plan October 25, 2019
Every Mind Matters is a major Public Health England Campaign, launched early October 2019, which aims to support everyone to feel more confident in taking action to look after their mental health and wellbeing by promoting a range of self-care actions such as the "Your Mind Plan" Tool.
The "Your Mind Plan" was designed as a part of the Public Health England 'Every Mind Matters' campaign specifically to quickly and simply point people over the age of 18 in the right direction - both to reflecting on their own mental and emotional health, as well as giving them handy top-tips for actions that be taken.
So if you're a teacher, parent, carer, or anyone in the community who feels like you might need a bit of a helping hand with maintaining or improving your mental health and wellbeing, why not try the "Your Mind Plan" tool here.
Second Meeting of the Mental Health Network October 17, 2019
On World Mental Health day, Thursday 10th October, Derby held its second event for the Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health (DSLMH) network at Pride Park Stadium. It was attended by over half of Derby Schools alongside professionals from both local health services and exciting new Children and Young People’s mental health initiatives.
On Monday 14th October, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II delivered the 65th Queen's Speech of her reign setting out the current Government's plans for this Parliament - which included a renewal of the pledge to improve mental health.
Any state occasion is worth noting, but the Queens Speech is a particularly important event in the national calendar. Not only does it form a crucial part of the State Opening of Parliament, it also sets out the legislative agenda for the incumbent Government (despite only usually lasting about 10 minutes).
While most of the focus will undoubtedly be on the Brexit elements of the speech, there was a brief line which will directly impact on mental health provision and care in the UK - "New laws will be taken forward to help implement the National Health Service's Long Term Plan in England."
The BBC has concluded that this statement will not only engender a renewed commitment to the plan originally unveiled under Theresa May's premiership, but that it also includes a raft of new legislation to continue improvements to mental health care and improving patient safety.
Next Thursday is World Mental Health Day! October 6, 2019
Next week, Thursday 10th October, is World Mental Health Day. This is the 27th consecutive year that it has been recognised worldwide, and the 22nd year to carry a dedicated theme. This year's theme is Suicide Prevention.
Since it was first recognised on 10th October 1992, hundreds of worldwide, nationwide, regional and local organisations, communities and individuals have been, in a variety of interesting and innovative ways, raising awareness and support of mental health and Mental Health Issues right across the world in over 100 countries.
With themes ranging from 'Mental Health and Human Rights (1998)' to "Living with Schizophrenia (2014)" World Mental Health day has looked to address a wide range of topics.
This year's theme is Suicide Prevention and the World Mental Health Federation have put together a pack of helpful "Tools and Tips" which you can find here - https://wfmh.global/wmhd2019-tools-and-tips/
If you want to go even further, check out the social media to get involved:
Don't Forget - Last year's theme for World Mental Health Day was "Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World". Check out the information pack here - wfmh.global/2018
As of Thursday 26th September, 107 Derby City Schools have started training for a 'Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health' (DSLMH) within their staff team.
On Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September 64 staff members from 62 Derby City schools undertook the first of two days of training required to become recognised as a DSLMH, bringing the overall number to 107 across the city. Representing a wide range of school providers, including the Virtual School and a number of special schools, staff were put through their paces by their trainer from the Carnegie School for Education, University of Leeds.
Staff completed a range of activities and exercises intended to get them thinking about the mental and emotional health provision in their schools, with a particular focus on how to embed a "whole school approach". DSLMH's will be asked to complete a mental and emotional health action plan for their school after the second day of training in January.
38 schools now have a fully trained DSLMH July 16, 2019
We have now concluded training for the first wave of schools in Derby to take part in the Emotionally Healthy Schools Programme.
Congratulations to the 38 new Designated Senior Leads for Mental Health to have fully completed the training and are now ready to lead the way for their schools.
For more information about the training, please get in contact.
Schools Mental Health Network meets for first time May 15, 2019
On Tuesday 14th May, Derby held its first Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health (DSLMH) Network Event at the Derby Conference Centre. It was attended by 65 Derby schools alongside professionals from local mental health services including the NHS and Public Health.
It was an important event to mark Mental Health Awareness Week and also the progress made by Derby’s schools to date following investment from the Derby Opportunity Area Programme.
Mental health champions to be created for pupils in all Derby school March 12, 2019
Head teachers across Derby have identified pupil emotional health as one of their prime concerns and barriers to success - so new mental health leaders will be appointed for every city school. Redwood Primary School is leading the project...
Emotionally Healthy schools project launched at beginning of Children’s Mental Health Week February 5, 2019
This month sees the launch of the Emotionally Healthy schools project in Derby. This £598,000 Opportunity Area funded project, which is being managed by Redwood Primary School, Executive Headteacher Jane Calladine, is designed to help school leaders in Derby improve outcomes for Derby pupils by helping to create supportive environments, policies and practices that are conducive to positive emotional well-being...
'You are Awesome' is the positive and empowering guide to help children and young adults build resilience, fulfill their potential and become successful, happy, awesome adults, from Times journalist, two-time Olympian and best-selling mindset author, Matthew Syed.
The pages of 'You are Awesome' contain a range questions, statements and tasks which challenge and problematise a wide range of commonly held assumptions and confidence-related issues concerning subjects such as Math and Sports. Interestingly, Syed also tackles how celebrities such as David Beckham and historical figures such as the Bronte Sisters and Mozart became successful.
The result is a book which has the potential to attract a wide range of children and young people as readers, something which is refinforced by the wide array of positive reviews from children and parents alike.
If you're interested in finding out more information about the book, you can do so here - www.youareawesomebook.co.uk - and you can follow this link to purchase the book here - www.amazon.co.uk
Council to award grant for emotionally healthy schools September 10, 2018
Derby City Council are to award a grant of £596,000 to Redwood Primary School to lead and co-ordinate a programme across the city to develop emotionally healthy schools with the money coming from the government backed Opportunity Area programme grant...
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