Downs Junior School

At Downs, mental health and wellbeing is a key focus of our curriculum.  Wellbeing targets have been part of our school development plan for the last four years.  We believe that, when children are happy, confident and feel safe they flourish both socially and academically. 

Mental illness can affect anyone of any age at any time.  Like with physical illness, people do not choose to have a mental health problem.  However, unlike a physical illness, a mental health problem can be unseen.  By teaching our children about mental health concerns and giving them the tools to deal with these issues, we believe they will be better prepared for the future.  If you are worried about your child please contact your doctor or speak to the school.

Mental Health and Wellbeing School Initiatives.

• Trained mental health first aiders
• Empowerment Approach
• Mindfulness lessons
• Mental health awareness lessons and assemblies
• Wellbeing classroom door displays
• School counsellor
• Attachment specialist support teacher
• Attachment aware school
• Growth Mindset ethos
• Playground Pals
• Family group
• Learning mentors
• Key adult support

• Online awareness meetings for parents
• Safer internet use and cyber bullying lessons
• Anti-bullying week
• Individual pupil conferencing for all pupils
• Socio-grams
• Pre-teach lessons
• Safety Net training
• Stretching Learning Power lessons
• Body image and the media lessons
• 'Learning to learn' days focusing on building resilience
• SIBs group
• Excellent transition groups and meetings for new and departing children
• Staff workload initiative