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health
safety
staff
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Mental Health and Well Being Policy
This policy links to the Health and Safety, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Menopause, Pro-Social Behaviour and keyworker, key buddy system policies that we have in place.
We are dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment that promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of all children, staff, and families. We understand that a child’s emotional development is closely linked to their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. The purpose of this policy is to create an environment where positive mental health is a priority for all members of the setting. We are committed to building a culture of emotional support and understanding, and to acting early when signs of distress or difficulty emerge. We uphold the EYFS principles by ensuring that each child is recognised as unique, respected as an individual, and provided with opportunities to form positive relationships and develop personally and socially. Our staff are equipped to promote wellbeing through everyday practice, partnership with parents and carers, and collaboration with external professionals when needed. Within our setting, children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are supported through strong attachments, responsive care, and secure routines. Every child is assigned a key person who works very closely with each child. They will all build a trusting relationship with them and support their emotional and social development daily. This relationship helps the child to feel confident and valued and provides the foundation for exploring feelings, building friendships, and learning how to regulate emotions. We provide calm, comforting areas where children can self-regulate or seek quiet when needed. We believe that the emotional health of our staff is essential to the overall wellbeing of our setting. Our team members are encouraged to prioritise their own mental health and are supported in doing so through a culture of openness, respect, and mutual support. Regular supervision meetings provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on their practice, wellbeing, and any challenges they may be experiencing. The emotional wellbeing of staff is a supported through shared reflective practice, and a commitment to positive communication across the setting. These are some of the methods we use, a staff shout out board and a suggestion box that staff are encouraged to contribute to. We have a designated well-being officer, who is available for staff to talk to confidentially. We ask that they speak to their manager who can arrange a meeting. We are also able to steer staff towards Avensure this is a company that we use and through this they can access care first. Care first offers a range of confidential services including being able to talk to a professionally qualified counsellor. We would also advise staff to speak to their GP. We value our relationships with families and view them as essential partners in supporting children’s mental health. Parents and carers are welcomed and respected, and their knowledge of their children is actively sought and incorporated into planning and care. Our communication with families is open, regular, and respectful. We keep families informed of their child’s development and emotional wellbeing and encourage ongoing dialogue through daily handovers, meetings, and written updates. When concerns arise, we approach families with sensitivity, compassion, and a commitment to working together in the best interests of the child. We also provide support and guidance to families, including signposting to local services such as health visitors, family hubs, and mental health professionals when appropriate. Please see below some links to various organisations. Our inclusive approach recognises and celebrates the diversity of family backgrounds, cultures, and values, ensuring that all families feel welcome and supported. All staff are responsible for promoting a mentally healthy environment within the setting. They are expected to model positive emotional behaviours, respond sensitively to children’s needs, and foster an atmosphere of respect and care. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for supporting staff in identifying and addressing wellbeing concerns, especially those linked to safeguarding. The SENCO supports children with identified additional needs and works closely with families and professionals to put the right support in place. We also have a support worker that helps to support children with emotional and behavioural needs. Hub of hope https://hubofhope.co.uk NHS 111 https://111.nhs.uk MIND https://111.nhs.uk Family Hub https://familyhubs.eastsussex.gov.uk/about/find-family-hub/peacehaven
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