Emotional Health and wellbeing
Our vision asks us all to 'do everything in love'. For this reason Windmill is a school that prioritise social, emotional and mental health (SEMH). We ensure that all staff are trained and understand the factors which can impact on, and positively influence, the SEMH needs of our pupils. We have invested in targeted interventions to support children through their school life and beyond. These includes ELSA (Emotional Literacy support) and Emotion Coaching. We are lucky enough to have dedicated members of staff who who are highly skilled at delivering this work in our school. Referrals for emotional support can come from any member of school staff. If you feel that your child needs extra support in any of these areas please speak to your child's class teacher.
The Ark
The Ark provides a dedicated space for children to access mental health and wellbeing interventions. It is a warm, inviting, safe place where children feel comfortable to share their thoughts, feelings and emotions. In the Ark, Children are able to engage in expressive arts, therapeutic play, sensory experiences and mindfulness.
"I feel calm when I am in The Ark. It is peaceful and you get to talk about how you feel which is nice. You get to have quiet time when you feel upset"
Y6 child - December 2021
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support)
Miss Bailey and Miss Bremer-Thronton are completing ELSA training with local Educational Psychologists. As an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) they can support the emotional development of children and young people in school. This intervention delivers individualised and targeted support for a specific emotional need such as: social skills, loss and bereavement, low self esteem, friendships skills and emotional awareness. By developing the skills taught through this programme, children subsequently become more emotionally resilient which leads to children learning more effectively and feeling happier in school.
ELSA is part of the MHST (Mental Health Support Team) for Kirklees and the educational psychologists provide ongoing professional supervision to help maintain high quality in the work undertaken thereby helping to ensure safe practice for ELSAs and pupils alike.
