Over recent times our children have experienced a periods of uncertainty and change. Some will have shown incredible levels of resilience and sailed through this time with no questions or worries. Others may have experienced loneliness, struggled with changes to their routines or experienced periods of anxiety. 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:
At Hilltop First School we are able to offer the following Social and Emotional support to pupils:
Our PSHE curriculum includes the MindUP programme for all pupils in Year 1-4. The MindUP program is built on hte following four core pillars:
Find out more about the MindUp programme here. This series of modules for parents and carers explores MindUP concepts that children are learning in the classroom.
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.