Activities
MIND training - Adult and young peoples mental health
On Thursday 20th September we held some training on adult and young peoples mental health, led by David Harding from MIND Hereford. It was very interesting and informative. Thank you to all those who attended. It is the start of the school's focus this year on well being. We will be doing a lot on this so look out for more details and information.
I think the training we received last week provided much food for thought. It was delivered in a clearly understandable format and covered many key points of mental health and wellbeing, although did focus particularly on adult mental health. David gave attendees the opportunity to discuss their personal experiences and I found him to be very likeable as a Trainer. His relaxed and honest approach made a big difference and I feel it put everyone at ease. I am sure that he will go down a treat with our school children. Am very excited to see what he does with the children during MW week. Some useful contact details and organisations gleaned from the training too.
Estelle Smith - parent and school governor
Emotion Coaching
On Thursday 18th October Educational Psychologist Amanda Cotton delivered an after school session for staff and governors on Emotion Coaching. Behaviour is often linked to emotions and the idea of Emotion Coaching is getting children to talk about their emotions, that they may not always recognise, and getting them to use them in a positive way.
Emotion Coaching focuses on 4 steps:
1. Recognise feelings and empathise
2. Validate and label the feeling
3. Set limits - if necessary
4. Problem solve
Research has shown that Emotion Coaching has helped reduce the number of negative behavioural incidents in schools and early years settings. The research shows that Emotion Coaching:
- Helps children regulate, improve and take ownership of their behaviour
- Helps children to calm down and better understand their emotions
- Helps practitioners to be more sensitive to children's needs
- Helps create more consistent approaches to children's behaviour
- Helps practitioners to feel more 'in control' during incidents
- Helps promote positive relationships
We will be organising another session like this for parents in the future.
In the meantime, if you would like more information please visit:
The training was useful and interesting. Lots of practical suggestions that can be implemented daily in our interactions with children.
Mrs Gething - Class 6 teacher
Well being week
This week (22nd to 26th October) has been our Well-being week. Well-being is part of this academic year’s School Development Plan and has become a whole school focus due to the great importance of children having a healthy mind. We believe mental health and the way we feel are as important as physical health. So as a result we decided to organise a whole week of activities centred around the idea of well-being. Each teacher undertook different activities with each class including the NSPCC PANTS programme, e-safety, bullying, yoga, forest schools, PE, various crafts, teeth and healthy eating. The mental health charity Mind also delivered workshops each afternoon to all classes. Other outside agencies were involved such as road safety and the fire brigade. Parents and volunteers were also involved with activities such as art and exercise. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the planning, preparation and delivery of this week and in particular a massive thank you to the PTFA for funding it. It was a great week and we will be running more well-being projects throughout the year.
There is a big display of all the activities outside class 2. Please come and have a look.
My children had a great week and really enjoyed themselves.
Mrs Evans - Pixie and Effie's mum
Anti bullying week
As part of anti-bullying week we had a day of activities relating to this topic. Children moved around the different activities led by different teachers including cyber bullying, kindness cards, buddy activities, philosophy, circle time and bring a good friend.
Well being day
As part of national well being week we held a well being day on Friday 15th February. The children undertook a range of activities with each teacher, related to a different aspect of well being.
Mrs Colwell took the children to explore the local common. They all got some fresh air whilst being at one with nature and exploring the natural environment.
Miss Wallace focused on mental health and the different strands that fall under that umbrella. Children were encouraged to recognise their own feelings and remember the importance of talking to people who can help. #1in4
Mrs Jones looked at physical well being including gymnastics, yoga and HIT (with Estelle Smith).
Mrs Gething investigated mandalas and mindfulness. Children made a kaleidoscope and used all five of their senses to calm and relax themselves.
SELFIE training
Staff undertook SELFIE training in January 2019. The SELFIE Project, run by West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre is an educational resource aimed at 11-25 year olds, designed to increase young people’s access to high quality sexual violence prevention and support. Age appropriate topics include: gender, consent, impacts and support and social media. The team have undertaken a six week block of sessions for year six. Training for a parents or carers was also available on Thursday 7th March. Thank you to those who attended.
Pontrilas Café
The children in class R enjoyed their trip to Pontrilas Community Café on Thursday 21st March. They enjoyed arts and craft activities and milk shakes and cookies.
The café is run by CARE Herefordshire CIC, their aim is to combat loneliness and social isolation in rural communities by encouraging young generations to engage with older residents, their neighbours and relatives, helping them and witnessing the benefits of the volunteering has on their own community.
Well being day
On Friday 28th June we had another school well being day with the focus being on self-esteem. Each teacher delivered a different lesson to each class. Mrs Bowman discussed friendship and made friendship cakes and bracelets, Miss Wallace looked at self-esteem and body issues, Mrs Jones considered what makes us unique and Mrs Cething explored being healthy inside and out. It was a lovely day and another opportunity to develop our school ethos of kindness, respect, tolerance, empathy and resilience. We have lots more planned.
