Mental Health

Here at Chopwell we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. We aim to provide a stimulating and caring environment where children's mental health can thrive. 

For those needing support, we offer a tiered approach meaning that early intervention and education prevents higher-level concerns. 

Counselling 

We understand that just like adults sometimes children need a bit of help with their mental health, for that reason we employ a school counsellor for one day a week. Caroline our counsellor, sees up to three children at a time for a variety of reasons, for both long and short-term cases. Caroline works for a company called Kalmer Counselling, their website can be found here:

Kalmer Counselling 

If you feel your child would benefit from seeing the school counsellor please see a member of the leadership team (Mrs Bruce, Mrs Kelly, or Mrs Coates). Spaces are understandably limited however so if you feel this is urgent please see your GP. 

ELSA

For children who are struggling with their emotions we also provide ELSA.

What is ELSA?

There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning.  Some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others.  ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists.  It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

We are fortunate to have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) at Chopwell Primary School.   Mrs Jackson has been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programs of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs.  The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills.  Sessions are fun using a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or arts and craft.  ELSA sessions take place in the 'ELSA room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.

In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:

Emotional Awareness

Self-esteem

Social skills

Friendship skills

Anger management

Growth Mindset

Anxiety

Loss and Bereavement

How does ELSA work?

Children are usually referred for ELSA support by their Class Teacher, Senior Leaders or the SENDCo.  Every term, referrals are reviewed to identify and prioritise which children require a weekly program for the next 6-8 weeks.  With the program aims in mind, we then plan support sessions to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies that allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively.

Supporting - not fixing

Remember, ELSAs are not there to fix children's problems. What we can do is provide emotional support.

We aim to establish a warm, respectful relationship with a pupil and to provide a reflective space where they are able to share honestly their thoughts and feelings.

It needs to be appreciated that change cannot necessarily be achieved rapidly and is dependent upon the context and complexity of the presenting issues.  For children with complex or long-term needs it is unrealistic to expect ELSA intervention to resolve all their difficulties, however support will be designed to target specific aspects of a child's need.  Training and development of ELSAs is an ongoing process and wisdom is required to recognise when issues are beyond the level of expertise that could reasonably be expected of an ELSA.  The Educational Psychologist that works with our school would be able to offer advice on suitability or nature of ELSA involvement in complex cases.

You can find more about ELSA support here:

ELSA Support

Rise Mental Health Support 

Rise is an organisation that provide low level mental health support both in one to one situations or whole-class guidance 

you can find out more about them here:

Rise Mental Health Support 

Children North East 

This year we worked with Children North East who provided the children with the BU course you can find more about this here:

BU Course