When children feel loved, safe and confident they are so much more able to make sense of the world and navigate challenges that they encounter both in and outside of school.  It is important that we help them to develop healthy strategies that allow them to understand and regulate their emotions and make healthy and wise decisions. 

myHappymind helps children understand how their brains work and creates a culture that helps to build children's resilience, confidence, and self-esteem. myHappymind also teaches the children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions in stressful times, allowing them to be their very best selves!  See here for further information.

The myHappyMind team have developed a parent app.  Please see the posters around school for details including our unique school code to register your account.

We have gathered useful resources for parents in managing some of these challenges.  If you have any significant worries about the mental wellbeing or emotional health of your child please do contact the school so that we can help.

Young Minds have created a useful 'Supporting Parents Helpfinder'. By answering six questions, parents can find out how to support their child's mental health during the pandemic (and beyond).  Find the help finder here.

HappyMaps website is a single hub of reliable, up-to-date and professional advice on mental health problems in children and young people. It covers many common problems including anxiety, self-harm, tics, gender dysphoria, ADHD, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and much more. It also has a pre-school section for issues such as sleep, behaviour, and fussy eating.  Find the website here.

Hilltop staff have been trained to apply the Five-to-Thrive approach to support coregulation in children.  This approach has also been shared during parents and carers workshops.  The following brochure explains Five-to-Thrive for familes.

Other useful websites:

• Child Mental Health & Wellbeing - 10 Top Tips for Parents
• Parents' Mental Health & Wellbeing - 10 Top Tips for Parents

At Hilltop First School we are able to offer the following Social and Emotional support to pupils:

• ELSA groups or one-to-one support
• Nurture Groups
• Drawing and Talking

Our PSHE curriculum can be found on our curriculum page

During the school day we might also use 'Time 2 Chill' videos from 5-a-day fitness.

Parent and Carer wellbeing is important too!

Talking Therapies is a free NHS service there to support the residents of Berkshire aged 17+ who may be struggling with difficulties including: low mood, anxiety and stress at this unprecedented time. 
To find out more about the services offered by Talking Therapies please visit their website.