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Wellbeing

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It can affect how we think, feel and act, as well as how we manage stress, build relationships and make choices. Positive mental health and wellbeing are important throughout every stage of life, beginning in childhood.

At Cowbit St Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy, we work hard to promote positive mental health and wellbeing so that every pupil feels welcomed, valued and supported. Inspired by the Parable of the Mustard Seed, our vision is for every child to be nurtured and enabled to flourish as we grow together in learning, love and faith.

We understand that all children may experience worries, difficult emotions or challenging situations at different points in their lives. Through caring relationships, appropriate support and a nurturing environment, we help pupils to understand their emotions, develop resilience and learn strategies that allow them to manage difficulties with increasing confidence.

Our curriculum supports pupils’ personal, social and emotional development and helps them learn about:

  • recognising and communicating emotions;
  • maintaining positive relationships;
  • managing worries and changes;
  • developing resilience and self-confidence;
  • knowing when and how to ask for help; and
  • looking after their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

All members of staff contribute to creating a safe, mentally healthy and nurturing academy environment. Alongside our curriculum and pastoral provision, we work in partnership with parents, carers and appropriate external agencies when a child may benefit from additional or specialist support.

Who can help me in the academy?

There are many trusted adults in the academy who can help you if you have a worry or problem. You can speak to your class teacher, a teaching assistant, Mrs Smitheringale, Mrs Leonard or any member of our Safeguarding Team.

We will listen to you, take your worries seriously and help you access the right support. You do not have to manage a difficult feeling or situation on your own.

Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage

Lumi Nova is a NICE-recommended digital therapeutic mobile game designed to help children aged 7 to 12 who are experiencing mild to moderate fears, worries or anxiety. It uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, including psychoeducation and exposure therapy, within an age-appropriate intergalactic adventure. 

The app can support children to:

  • understand worries and anxiety;
  • break fears and worries into smaller, more manageable steps;
  • learn strategies to manage their worries;
  • build confidence and resilience;
  • complete supported challenges within the game and in everyday life; and
  • talk about their worries in a child-friendly, non-stigmatising way. 

Lumi Nova is available free of charge to families in Lincolnshire through local authority and NHS partnerships. Parents and carers can register online to receive a game key before downloading the app to a compatible smartphone or tablet. 

A parent or carer should support the child to set up and use the app, including helping them to choose appropriate missions and complete supported real-life challenges. 

Register for free access to Lumi Nova in Lincolnshire

Is Lumi Nova suitable for every child?

Lumi Nova is intended to provide early support for children aged 7 to 12 who are experiencing mild to moderate anxiety. It is not intended as unsupervised support for children who have severe anxiety, are in crisis, are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are at risk of self-harm. In these circumstances, support from an appropriately qualified mental health professional should be sought. 

When the app is used by a neurodivergent child or a child with SEND, the provider recommends guidance from their parent, carer or a mental health professional, with suitable adjustments made to meet the child’s sensory and additional needs. 

Lumi Nova does not replace personalised support from the academy, health professionals or specialist services. Families who are unsure whether the app is appropriate for their child should seek professional advice.

Ollee

Ollee is a digital resource that can help children explore and communicate how they are feeling. It may be used alongside conversations with a trusted adult, but it does not replace support from parents, carers, academy staff or appropriate professionals.

Further support

Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing are encouraged to speak to the child’s class teacher or contact Mrs Ellie Smitheringale, our SENDCo.

Mrs Smitheringale works in the academy on Wednesdays and Fridays and can be contacted by email throughout the working week:

  • Telephone: 01406 380369
  • Academy office: office@csm.keystonemat.org
  • SENDCo: ellie.smitheringale@csm.keystonemat.org

Ollee

Ollee is a new app that has been created by BBC Children in Need to support in children's well-being.

He is a fun digital friend who you can talk you about your worries and he will offer some advice that could help.

Click here - for the link to the website or download the app.

Who can help me at home?

Here are list of websites that might be helpful if you want to speak to someone about any concerns or worries whilst you're at home.

                                                         

 

                      

 

                              

 

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