Pupil Health and Wellbeing
Pupil health and wellbeing is of paramount importance at Castle Newham. Our aim is to provide a supportive and caring environment with a broad and balanced curriculum, both of which help to build children’s self-confidence, sense of identity, communication skills and resilience – all key elements of good health and wellbeing.
At Castle Newnham there is a range of support in place for those pupils who may be concerned about their own or others’ health and well-being, including mental health. Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic (PSHCE) education is taught to support our pupils as they move through the school. Click here to view more information on ‘Personal Development’.
Pastoral Care
The pupils’ form teacher is the first port of call for pupils, parents or carers. Talking to this key member of staff can get you the in-school help that is needed.
Our Pupil & Family support team is also on hand to talk to individuals and their families in order to provide further support. The team can find help from outside agencies if further support is needed. For more information on the Pupil & Family Support Team, please click here.
Our school nurse, Judith Joyce, attends the North site weekly. Pupils have the opportunity to ‘drop in’ to see her to discuss any health and wellbeing concerns. The school nurse also offers one to one support to pupils in need of further help and works closely with our Pupil/Family support team.
Dealing with Exam Stress
Young Minds have launched advice for parents about supporting their children.
Tips include:
- Encourage your child to take revision breaks and find a balance between studying and doing things they find enjoyable and relaxing.
- Make sure they are eating and drinking at regular intervals.
- Reassure them – reinforce that you are and will be proud of them no matter what happens.
- Remain positive and hopeful!
- Let them know their feelings are valid and normal, but also offer support and solutions where possible.
- Anxiety is often worse at night and this means it is useful to encourage good bedtime routine
You can find out more here: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-exam-time/
Revision is a priority for thousands of students. Exam anxiety is reportedly at record levels and to help address this, BBC Bitesize has launched a new website following the results of questioning students as to what resources would help them. The answer was short, shareable videos from young people who had recently taken exams and this has led to the launch of bbc.co.uk/mindset – described as ‘smart advice from exam survivors’.
The science of stress:
https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend
- CHUMS
https://childbereavementuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/6a-Guidance-for-parents-and-carers.pdf
- Family Lives
- Compassionate Friends
- NHS Moodzone
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-bereavement/
- Grief Encounter
Making Me
External Organisations and Useful Websites
- Bedford Borough Council
Activities for Young People and Health and Wellbeing
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/sports_development.aspx
- ChildLine
- Chums
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Services for Children and Young People
http://chums.uk.com/bedfordshire-services/
- Bedford Open Door
This is a charity providing FREE and confidential counselling for young people. Counselling is provided by a team of fully trained, experienced and friendly volunteer counsellors.
http://www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk/
- Young Minds
Young Minds is leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. Their website aims to get the best possible mental health support for those in need.
- MindEd
MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.
- Smiling Minds
Smiling Mind offers a unique web and app-based tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance into people’s lives.
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app/
- Aquarius
Aquarius strives to help people overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling.
http://aquarius.org.uk/family-support/
- Talk to Frank
This organisation offers friendly and confidential advice on drugs.
- Young Carers
Offering local support for young carers.
http://www.carersinbeds.org.uk/
- Relate
A charity entirely devoted to building stronger relationships and offering support for relationship issues.
http://relatebedsandluton.org.uk/
- Bedfordshire Mental Health Support team