Positive mental health and emotional well-being is paramount for our pupils. Our method of teaching and learning - I-Shine Learning - supports our pupils in school and The Orion is a very happy and positive place to be and to learn in. Well-being of children is a top priority this academic year 2023/4 and underpins all our our whole school initiatives. The Super Juice films produced by The One Kind Production Team are specifically made to create feel good moments and promote well-being.

When children have significant challenges in their lives we are able to provide them with some additional support for their emotional well-being. The leadership team offer additional pastoral support to many children, we have two trained mental health first aiders and children can be referred to one of several counsellors and therapists who work in the school or to Barnet Integrated Clinical Services and CAMHS.

We teach the children about their mental, physical and emotional well-being through our whole school ethos, PSHE lessons, visiting experts and assemblies.  We promote mental and emotional health amongst the parent community, through coffee mornings, visitors, school newsletters and school events. See below some additional resources 

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

There are lots of resources for children and parents to tap into below but if you are worried about your child's mental health see one of the senior team at school or speak to your child's teacher.

Kooth is an online mental health community for children aged 11 and older. They can access it on their phones/tablets or laptops. They will need to make a secure account. It is easy and a really great service for children in Barnet schools.

Ollee is a digital friend for children aged 8-11 – created by Parent Zone and funded by BBC Children in Need's A Million & Me initiative. It helps them explore feelings around school, family, friends and the world – and share advice with a parent or trusted adult.

World Mental Health Day - 10th October 2023

This week all the pupils at Orion have reflected on their feelings every day through the week - the staff have done as well. We learnt in assembly that it helps to share with someone you trust if you feel low or just not quite yourself. Sometimes just sharing makes you feel a little bit better. There are lots of adults in school who know how to help children or to support them to help themselves.