Wellbeing

Healthy lives, healthy minds, healthy futures

Mental Health and Wellbeing is at the heart of SPJS.

At South Petherton Junior School, we aim to promote positive mental health and wellbeing for our school community (children, staff and parents). The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives. Here at SPJS, we take emotional health and mental wellbeing very seriously.

We use a holistic approach which means we pay attention to children’s physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning.

Please hover over the photos below to see what we offer at South Petherton Juniors.

Mindfulness

Each classroom has allocated time within the week to experience mindfulness and reflection. This can be done through music, mindful colouring, meditation or breathing activities. This gives the children an opportunity to feel grounded and focus on the ‘now’.

Physical Activities

Physical activity is proven to be good for the mind. We do this through: weekly PE sessions, lunch & breaktime activities, extra-curricular clubs and daily 5 minute fit activities.

Outdoor Learning

We use every opportunity to allow the children to experience activities that take place outside the classroom. This can be through Forest School, walking with nature or outdoor lessons. This provides a chance for the children to play with natural elements, find stimulation of the 5 senses and experience mindfulness in a natural environment.

Experienced and Qualified Staff

Our Nurture Assistant is extremely experienced and qualified: she offers Parent Health & Emotional Wellbeing (PHEW) which can involve both conversations in school and family support. She also is a qualified Mental Health First Aider.

Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) is also extremely experienced and qualified; she works with identified children across the school and attends termly supervision meetings with the LA Educational Psychologist.

PSHE Lessons

Weekly PSHE Jigsaw lessons gives the children an opportunity for children to talk openly as a class. Circle time and Gratitude Circles may be used.

Hagrid's Hut

The hut provides a haven of natural space and tranquility. It is a hub where the children can access a range of experiences which can be emotional, creative, physical, psychological and social.