To mark Children's Mental Health Week, the Department of Education has launched a publication on Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Effective Practice in Educational Settings. We are pleased that St Mary's was selected as one of the 3 Primary Schools across Northern Ireland to feature as examples of effective practice.
The case study on St Mary's which is attached, was completed by the Educational and Training Inspectorate some time ago and details how we began our journey to implement Nurture practices. Since that time, this area has remained a priority in our School Development Plan. Thanks to support from families and fundraising by the Friends of St Mary's we have further embedded and extended our provision for emotional and physical wellbeing with for example:
- Additional indoor and outdoor sensory spaces and trails.
- Implementing the Zones of Regulation in all classes
- Continuing the Neuronimo Programme for pupils in school and providing access to the programme for parents to use at home with their children.
- Extending the Fareshare project to offer free breakfasts / snacks to pupils
- Art Therapy Workshops
- Coaching in an increased range of sports both during and after school
- Whole School Health and Fitness days, led by external providers.
- Celebrating pupil success and aspirations through events such as an Art Exhibition and a 'Dress Who You Want To Be Day'
- Sharing tips, signposting and newsletters such as the 'High Five' Magazine with parents
- Continued Professional Development for Staff
Thank-you to families for working with us to embed strategies, which the children can use to develop good emotional and physical wellbeing for now and the future.
The full DE publication can found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/effective-practice-educational-settings
