The wellbeing of our children and families is a priority at Highfield.

 Here are some of the ways that we are supporting mental health and wellbeing at Highfield:

• Our CARE motto - Consideration, Aspiration, Responsibility and Enjoyment is embedded and we strive to ensure that at Highfield we truly CARE about the education and welfare of all pupils and the community as a whole.
• Our Ready, Respectful, Safe mantra is also embedded within everyday life at school.
• We continue to teach our children the importance of keeping their mind and bodies healthy. Every week ‘Well-being’ sessions are taught to help the children learn about the physiology of the brain and how emotions impact upon their bodies, alongside strategies to help them to develop resilience and relaxation techniques.
• Outdoor learning sessions help children to develop a love of outdoors/nature which research shows has a positive impact upon mental health.  
• We use 'Zones of regulation' to help children understand and regulate their emotions.
• Every class has a 'Regulation station' - please see 'Zones of Regulation' under the Pupils, Parents and Carers' tab.
• All staff are trained in Emotion coaching which is used consistently throughout school.
• We promote Growth Mindset in school. A growth mindset means that you thrive on challenge, and don't see failure as a way to describe yourself but as a springboard for growth and developing your abilities. It helps build perseverance and resilience.
• Every class has a ‘Worry Box’ which can be used by children to let adults know that they are worried about something.
• Every child has a Pupil Passport with input from themselves, family and adults in school. A Pupil Passport is a child-centred, thinking tool that provides a way to capture each child’s personality, strengths and areas for development, likes and dislikes, preferred learning style/s and how best to support them in school. Pupil Passports are also a key tool in the transition process and they have been successfully used at Highfield for many years.
• We have many opportunities to celebrate – Celebration assemblies, Afternoon tea with the Headteacher, Stars of the Week, Attendance – individual and class, postcards home, Teacher’s Award Cards, stickers, Hot chocolate with the Headteacher.
• Assemblies – coming together as one big Highfield family, celebrating, learning and addressing our own and others wellbeing.
• E safety week, lessons and regular safety reminders.
• Friendship Week
• Eights System – Every child belongs to a group of 8 children consisting of Reception up to Year 6. The Year 6 has the responsibility of leading the group and supporting younger children. The children eat in the hall, participate in special events and attend some assemblies in their eight.
• We have Year 5 and 6 ‘Kindness Keepers’ – pupil voice and supporting anti-bullying in school.
• At Highfield we refer to the ‘Triangle of Success’ where children, parents and school, work together with the common goal of children’s success.
• We are part of the Trafford Mental Health Support Team (MHST) programme and we are now working closely with Mental Health Practitioners and 'Place2Be’. Please see below for more information and also on the dedicated box on the wellbeing front age for Place2Be. 
• Training for staff.
• Children who are identified as in need support with their mental health and wellbeing may benefit from one or more of the following:

            Nurture time, key adult check ins, Emotional Literacy Programme, Pupil Support Plan, Social and Communication Groups, Lego therapy, Place2Be                        therapeutic sessions, Mental Health Practitioner sessions, social stories, personalised timetables, transition activities.

We encourage parents and carers to communicate with us regarding any concerns about their child’s wellbeing or any change in circumstances at home which may affect their well-being / capacity to focus on their learning.