Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Old Hill Primary School, we believe that positive mental health and wellbeing are essential to every child’s happiness, development, and success. We understand that children may face challenges that can affect their emotional wellbeing, and we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child and family feels valued, supported, and listened to.
We recognise the important connection between wellbeing and learning. When children feel safe, confident, and emotionally secure, they are better able to engage with their education, develop positive relationships, and achieve their full potential. Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing is therefore at the heart of our school community and underpins everything we do.
Supporting Children’s Wellbeing
We offer a wide range of targeted and universal wellbeing support for pupils.
Children may be referred to the Ready to Learn programme, which provides emotional and mental health support within school. This tailored programme is delivered through our dedicated Ready to Learn room as well as within the classroom and playground depending on where pupils feel they need the support most.
To ensure support is tailored to individual needs, Boxall Profiles are used alongside as a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) screening tool. These are completed collaboratively by the Ready to Learn lead, SENDCo and Class Teacher, and help to inform appropriate interventions and support pathways.
Throughout the year, we actively promote wellbeing through events such as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and Young Minds 'Hello Yellow' Day. Our Wellbeing Champions support wellbeing daily on the playground and lead assemblies to promote initiatives or events. We also conduct a whole-school wellbeing survey each year to help identify children who may benefit from additional support.
Where appropriate, the school makes referrals to a wide range of specialist services, including:
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Single Point of Access (SPA) for wellbeing and mental health services
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KRUNCH 1:1 counselling services and group workshops
- DECCA 1:1 counselling and treatment services
- Police Community Support Officer for tailored support for individual pupils and group sessions
- Sandwell School Nurse Team
- Sandwell Road Safety Team
Supporting Parental and Family Wellbeing
We recognise that the wellbeing of parents, carers, and families has a significant impact on children's emotional wellbeing, development, and success in school. Building strong partnerships with families is therefore an important part of our approach, and we are committed to providing support, guidance, and signposting whenever it is needed.
Our Pastoral Lead is available to offer advice and practical support, and can assist families in accessing additional services through referrals to relevant agencies and organisations. Whatever challenges a family may be facing, we aim to provide a caring and supportive point of contact to help them access the most appropriate support.
Wellbeing Charter Mark
Old Hill Primary School has successfully achieved the Wellbeing Charter Mark, awarded by Sandwell Inclusion Support, in recognition of our whole-school commitment to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Achieving this award demonstrates that wellbeing is embedded throughout school life, from leadership and staff practice to pupil voice, curriculum provision, and the support we provide for children and families. The accreditation process included self-evaluation, evidence gathering, and valuable feedback from pupils, staff, and parents, ensuring that the views of our whole school community were reflected.
This recognition highlights the importance we place on wellbeing as a foundation for learning, helping pupils to develop the confidence, resilience, and emotional skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.
