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Children's Wellbeing

Mental Health and Wellbeing at St Mary’s Primary School, Oxted

At St Mary’s Primary School, we recognise that most children enjoy positive mental health throughout their childhood. However, we also understand that around one in ten children and young people may face challenges with their emotional wellbeing at some point.

We believe that children’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. Strong mental health allows children to build resilience, manage life’s challenges, and grow into confident, balanced individuals.

Within our school community, we are increasingly aware of children experiencing emotional difficulties, and we are committed to working closely with families to provide guidance, understanding, and support.

Our approach is shaped by our core values:

Confidently Me

We aim for every child to feel valued, safe, and understood. Supporting mental health helps children to develop a positive sense of self, recognise their strengths, and feel confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings.

We provide opportunities for children to enjoy learning, succeed, and develop optimism about their future. Through this, they learn to cope with challenges and build resilience when things feel difficult.

Belonging Together

A strong sense of belonging is central to good mental health. At St Mary’s, we create a nurturing environment where children feel part of a caring community.

We promote positive relationships between pupils, staff, and families, ensuring that every child feels loved, trusted, and included. Children benefit from meaningful connections, both in school and through wider activities, which support their sense of belonging.

Challenged to Contribute

We encourage children to engage fully in school life, developing independence and a sense of purpose. Through a rich curriculum and wider opportunities, pupils are challenged to contribute, problem-solve, and take an active role in their learning and community.

By supporting emotional wellbeing, we enable children to manage difficulties and continue to participate positively, even when faced with challenges.

Supporting Positive Mental Health

We know that many factors can support children’s wellbeing, including:

  • Good physical health, including a balanced diet and regular exercise
  • Time and space to play and explore
  • Positive family relationships
  • A supportive and caring school environment
  • Opportunities to take part in wider activities

Children also need to:

  • Feel safe, valued, and understood
  • Enjoy life and have opportunities for fun
  • Develop confidence and recognise their strengths
  • Feel a strong sense of belonging
  • Build resilience and problem-solving skills
  • Have an appropriate sense of independence and control

How We Support Children at St Mary’s

We have a range of supportive approaches in place, including:

  • Ensuring staff are aware of children who may be experiencing emotional difficulties, so they can provide timely support
  • Maintaining open and regular communication with parents and carers
  • Monitoring wellbeing through our leadership and inclusion teams
  • Providing targeted support through trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, including tailored interventions
  • Seeking additional support from external professionals where needed, including local services such as CAMHS, school health services, and educational specialists
  • Engaging with councillors from Clockwork - Oxted based mental health charity

Working Together with Families

We believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are essential. When children feel able to talk openly at home, they are more likely to share concerns and seek support.

Listening carefully, acknowledging feelings, and responding with understanding can make a significant difference. In many cases, small, practical steps and shared strategies can provide effective support.

If concerns persist over time, or begin to impact daily life, we encourage families to seek further advice from the school or a health professional.

Confidentiality and Support

We treat all information sensitively and respectfully. While we work closely with families, we also recognise that children may sometimes wish for privacy when speaking with professionals.

Children can also access support independently through trusted services, although parental consent is usually required for medical support under the age of sixteen.

Further Support

Families can access additional guidance and support through organisations such as:

  • Mindworks Surrey
  • Childline
  • Place2Be
  • YoungMinds
  • Family Lives
  • The Mix
  • Kidscape
  • Barnardo’s
  • NSPCC
  • Mental Health Foundation

If there is ever an emergency or immediate concern for safety, please contact emergency services on 999.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to ensuring every child is confidently themselves, feels they belong, and is supported to contribute positively, with strong mental health at the heart of everything we do.