At Becontree we fully appreciate the importance of learning how to support our mental health and well-being. Skills to do so are built into our whole school offer for all of our children. This includes PSHE lessons, assemblies and celebrations. Children are taught about emotions and how feeling a range of emotions is completely normal. That we will all face experiences that can challenge us and how we can develop resilience to cope with this. Along with how to support each other and how it’s ok to ask for help.

We take the view that positive mental health is everyone's responsibility and that we all have a role to play. We promote a positive mental health environment through:

• sharing our school values and encouraging a sense of belonging
• use of pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision making
• celebrating academic and non-academic achievements
• providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others
• providing opportunities to reflect
• access to appropriate support where required
• carefully planned transition opportunities and resources

We also offer the children many opportunities to do physical and relaxing activities to promote positive well-being:

• games and activity groups run by year 6 children during lunchtimes
• home learning projects 
• family well-being challenges
• themed or charity days
• community events such as St Georges Day and Eid celebrations
• residential visits for year 6 children
• magic moments and Becontree top 20 enrichment activities
• after and before school clubs

However, our mental health and/or general well-being is something that all of us may need a little help with from time to time. To support this, we have a fantastic team with a range of skills. Ms Reilly leads the team as our Senior Mental Health Practitioner. We also have Youth Mental Health First Aiders and a School Counsellor. 

Each afternoon, Ms Lewis runs a range of interventions that focus on developing children's social, emotional and mental health skills. Some of these are group interventions such as Lego Therapy, The Dove Project, Nurture and Time to Talk. Some are 1:1 sessions, such as Art Therapy, for children who need something more personalised.

If a child needs further support, they may be referred to our School Counsellor by Ms Reilly or a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Or be referred to specific therapy sessions funded by Barking and Dagenham including Hot Heads and Move Up.

We value the support of parents by working in partnership to support your child. If you have a concern regarding your child's mental health, you are most welcome to discuss this with Ms Reilly (school SENCo). 

If you have concerns regarding your own mental health, then please discuss this with Ms Moldrich (Parent Support Advisor) who can signpost you to support agencies.