Mental Health and Wellbeing at Marsh Gibbon CE School
Supporting Wellbeing Through Our School’s Vision, Values, and Spirituality
At Marsh Gibbon, our core vision is "Succeeding Together – fostering a love of learning within a nurturing Christian community to bring out the best in everyone." This vision emphasizes that happy, safe children are ready to learn and grow, and that wellbeing is fundamental to our success as a school community.
Our Christian values—love, friendship, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and respect—are at the heart of creating a caring environment where every child feels valued, supported, and safe. Our spirituality, grounded in Philippians 4:13--"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"—reminds us that faith and God's love give us strength and resilience in caring for each other.
Mirrors, Windows, and Doors to Support Wellbeing·
How Our School Supports Wellbeing
Our School’s Commitment
Rooted in our Christian faith, we believe that every child is valued and loved by God. Our school community nurtures emotional wellbeing, recognising that when children feel safe, loved, and supported, they are best able to learn and flourish. Guided by our values, spirituality, and the principles of mirrors, windows, and doors, we are dedicated to creating a caring environment where children can grow in confidence, resilience, and faith.
Do More to Feel Better
When life feels difficult, it can be hard to do the things that usually help you feel happy and calm. But remember, doing nothing isn’t the answer. Small, positive actions can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to help you feel better:
Remember, you’re not alone—help and support are always available.
At Marsh Gibbon, our core vision is "Succeeding Together – fostering a love of learning within a nurturing Christian community to bring out the best in everyone." This vision emphasizes that happy, safe children are ready to learn and grow, and that wellbeing is fundamental to our success as a school community.
Our Christian values—love, friendship, compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and respect—are at the heart of creating a caring environment where every child feels valued, supported, and safe. Our spirituality, grounded in Philippians 4:13--"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"—reminds us that faith and God's love give us strength and resilience in caring for each other.
Mirrors, Windows, and Doors to Support Wellbeing·
- Mirrors: Our school's environment reflects each child's feelings and experiences, helping them see that their emotions are valid and understood. This encourages children to recognize their own feelings and feel valued for who they are.
- Windows: We open windows to understanding that everyone experiences different emotions and challenges. This promotes empathy, compassion, and awareness of mental health, fostering a supportive community where children learn to care for themselves and others.
- Doors: We open doors to new ways of managing feelings and seeking support—through nurture groups, worry boxes, zones of regulation, and outside agency help. These resources provide safe pathways for children to express themselves, learn coping strategies, and build resilience, guided by Christ’s love and care.
How Our School Supports Wellbeing
- We provide a safe, supportive environment where children feel secure and ready to learn.
- Our PSHE curriculum promotes understanding of mental health and wellbeing, helping children develop emotional literacy.
- Nurture groups and worry boxes offer dedicated spaces for children to share their feelings and receive support.
- The Zones of Regulation in each classroom (and feelings checker stations for early years) help children identify and regulate their emotions throughout the day.
- The Helping Hands group and outside agencies like Lego Therapy provide additional support for children facing emotional challenges.
- Regular themed weeks and days focus on mental health and wellbeing, raising awareness and fostering a caring community.
- Clear information boards signpost children to sources of help and support, ensuring they know they are not alone.
Our School’s Commitment
Rooted in our Christian faith, we believe that every child is valued and loved by God. Our school community nurtures emotional wellbeing, recognising that when children feel safe, loved, and supported, they are best able to learn and flourish. Guided by our values, spirituality, and the principles of mirrors, windows, and doors, we are dedicated to creating a caring environment where children can grow in confidence, resilience, and faith.
Do More to Feel Better
When life feels difficult, it can be hard to do the things that usually help you feel happy and calm. But remember, doing nothing isn’t the answer. Small, positive actions can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to help you feel better:
- Take a walk outside and enjoy the fresh air
- Make a daily plan of activities you’d like to do
- Play a board game or do puzzles to keep your mind active
- Get creative—draw, paint, or make something special
- Try a new hobby—this could be the perfect time to discover something new
- Read a book and get lost in a great story
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Eat nourishing foods that keep your body and mind strong
Remember, you’re not alone—help and support are always available.
Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness provides a monthly calendar that focuses on a different theme to promote wellbeing and positivity. Each day, the calendar suggests a simple activity designed to help boost happiness, kindness, and resilience. These activities are shared with children via Class Dojo Stories, making them easy to access and participate in.
The calendars are also available online at https://actionforhappiness.org/all-calendars, so families and staff can explore and try the activities together at home or in the community. This resource supports our goal of encouraging positive habits and fostering a caring, resilient school environment.
The calendars are also available online at https://actionforhappiness.org/all-calendars, so families and staff can explore and try the activities together at home or in the community. This resource supports our goal of encouraging positive habits and fostering a caring, resilient school environment.
Useful website links:
Support for Children
https://www.childline.org.uk/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Support with Children’s Mental Health for parents
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health/
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/websites
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/mental-health
Support for Adult Mental Health
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
https://www.childline.org.uk/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Support with Children’s Mental Health for parents
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/
https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health/
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/websites
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/mental-health
Support for Adult Mental Health
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
