New Pastures Primary School is committed to providing a healthy and caring environment that promotes and supports positive mental health for our children, staff and stakeholders. Positive mental health is vital to what we do at school; it underpins the crucial work carried out to support children and their families.
By considering children and staff wellbeing in all aspects of school life, a positive, healthy environment can be created that improves engagement, performance and achievement which in turn gives everyone an opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential.
Mental Health First Aid
At New Pastures, we train staff in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is training which teaches staff how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. MHFA teaches staff to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and even potentially stop a crisis from happening.
Staff learn to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping themselves safe. Staff also learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms.
What’s more, staff gain an understanding of how to support positive wellbeing and tackle stigma in the world around us.
