Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Eastrop we recognise the importance of good mental health and wellbeing. Happy, children who feel safe and 
secure are children who are ready and able to learn.
We work closely with families and external agencies to provide children and families with the support they need to become resilient, and equipped with self-help strategies.
Our staff receive regular training regarding mental health, wellbeing, trauma and adverse experiences so that they are fully informed and able to support children.
Information for Parents and Carers
Eastrop Infant School take the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. Our mental health and wellbeing policy sets out how we do this. Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
Zones of Regulation
At Eastrop and Southfield we have been using The Zones of Regulation. This recognises that feelings are complicated. They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, The Zones of Regulation, created by Leah Kuypers, organizes our feelings, states of alertness, and energy levels into four colored Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. It supports young people in understanding and expressing their emotions, promoting self-regulation.
At Eastrop we introduce the four different colours and the emotions associated with each zone when the child's understanding of these zones is age appropriate and we use this in our discussions with the children.
The main message to all children to start with is it's okay to feel any of these emotions.
It's how we react when we are experiencing these strong feelings that matters!
Local services for children & young people
- The School
Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better.
- Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties :-
Young Minds: - Help for Parents
Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
Taking Mental Health with Young People at Secondary School:
Advice for parents and carers of primary aged young people
Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers
Advice for taking care of your own and child’s wellbeing
Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults
There are lots of fantastic book suggestions on the website BooksforTopics: Mental Health if you would like recommendations. You might be able to find them in your local library too.
Looking after your own mental health
In order to support your child, you need to stay strong and well yourself. It isn’t easy being a parent or carer especially when you are experiencing problems of your own such as relationship difficulties, money worries, problems with work. Often it helps to talk to someone, so don’t be scared about doing this, with friends, family, your GP or a support service. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help you.
Samaritans. Tel: free confidential listening service 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone. Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Information and help around mental health particularly focusing on men
Swindon Mental Health Award
Eastrop and Southfield have both recently been awarded the Swindon Mental Health Award to add to our national award, Wellbeing Award for Schools. Both awards recognise our ongoing, outstanding work towards developing the support of mental health.
Below are some links to key Mental Health and Wellbeing organisations offering professional and confidential help if you do not wish to talk to someone in school;
