Our Universal Offer
Mental health determines how you think, feel and act. Good mental health is when you feel positive about yourself and cope well with the everyday pressures. At Ludwell, it is very important to us that all of our children feel supported and cared for and also that you are able to manage their own mental health and resilience as they grow into young adults. Making sure children know how to solve their own problems and recognise how they are feeling is one of the greatest skills we can give young people.
States for Learning – A dedicated time at the beginning of the day to build a calm routine/ritual to help children regulate and get ready for the day ahead. Calm music playing, a morning task and time to talk if required.
Class Based Strategies – mindful breathing, worry boxes, PSHE Curriculum (Mindful approach), sensory/movement breaks
Wellbeing Interventions & Support
ELSA : Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
There will be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning. Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed. At Ludwell Primary school, we have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. She has been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs.
ELSA - sessions aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
- Recognising emotions
- Self-esteem
- Social skills
- Friendship skills
- Anger management
- Loss and bereavement
When do ELSA sessions happen?
The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are often fun and engaging, and use a range of activities such as: games, or arts and craft in their design.
Sand Tray Play
Sand play therapy is another approach which can be drawn upon to support a child's mental health and wellbeing. It is a therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandbox and toy figures to create scenes of miniature worlds that reflect a person’s inner thoughts, struggles, and concerns. Various objects, such as shells, rocks, and toys can be used to help children express their emotions and reflect upon conflict.