Wellbeing
Our Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing at Blackheath Primary School
At Blackheath Primary School, we believe that positive mental health and wellbeing are central to a child’s overall success. We recognise that many children experience challenges in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing, often due to factors beyond their control. As a school, we place the utmost importance on nurturing a positive mindset and creating a safe, supportive environment in which children and families feel understood, valued, and supported.
We also recognise the strong link between wellbeing and academic progress. Children who feel emotionally secure, supported, and confident are better able to engage in learning, build positive relationships, and reach their full potential. Our approach to wellbeing is therefore embedded across the school and is preventative, responsive, and inclusive.
Supporting Children’s Wellbeing
We offer a wide range of targeted and universal wellbeing support for pupils.
Children may be referred to the Healthy Minds programme, which provides emotional and mental health support within school. Referrals are made on an individual basis, with half-termly contact offered to parents whose children are receiving support. The programme is delivered through our dedicated Healthy Minds Room/Hub, providing a safe and calm space for children to explore their emotions and develop coping strategies.
To ensure support is tailored to individual needs, Boxall Profiles are used alongside Healthy Minds as a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) screening tool. These are completed collaboratively by the Learning Mentor and Class Teacher and help to inform appropriate interventions and support pathways.
Additional wellbeing interventions include Ready Steady Go (RSG), a breakfast group designed to support children’s readiness for learning, emotional regulation, and positive start to the school day. We also conduct a whole-school wellbeing survey each September to help identify children who may benefit from additional support.
Wellbeing is actively promoted across the school through half-termly whole-school wellbeing activities, including initiatives such as Hello Yellow, with children’s work and photographs displayed to celebrate participation and raise awareness.
Where appropriate, the school makes referrals to a wide range of specialist services, including:
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Young Carers support
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Reflexions, offering 1:1 work, targeted group interventions, and parent workshops (e.g. e-safety)
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Murray Hall
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Single Point of Access (SPA) for wellbeing and mental health services
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Hope Services (private counselling)
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Sandwell Local Authority Play Therapy
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PCSO boxing mentor “Fighting Fit” programme in partnership with West Midlands Police
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West Midlands Fire Service
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Believe2Achieve
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Road Safety Practitioner
Pupil voice plays a key role in our approach. A Wellbeing Committee made up of KS2 pupils helps raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing across the school. Children also participate in the School Nurse Ambassador Project (SNAP) and the Junior PCSOs project in partnership with West Midlands Police, supporting responsibility, leadership, and community engagement.
Supporting Parental and Family Wellbeing
We recognise that children’s wellbeing is closely linked to the wellbeing of their families. As a result, we offer extensive support to parents and carers.
The school regularly makes referrals to the Family Hub for parenting support and programmes, and to Strengthening Families for targeted family support where appropriate. We also use the Neglect Screening Tool to ensure early identification and intervention where families may need additional help.
To support families facing financial hardship and the cost-of-living crisis, Blackheath Primary School is a Black Country Food Bank voucher-holding school. We also operate an on-site Uniform Cupboard, enabling families to access clothing discreetly and promptly. Additional uniform support is available through the Rubery Swap Shop, and Coats 4 Kids, which provides donated coats via a coat rack in school for immediate access.
Families are further supported through:
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CHANGES positive parenting programme, delivered 1:1 for parents who prefer not to access group-based support
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HAF vouchers and holiday activities
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Regular sharing of cost-of-living guides
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Digital support, including SIM cards where needed
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Support with wraparound care costs to help improve attendance
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Coffee mornings with guest speakers offering advice and guidance
We actively signpost families to external agencies, including NSPCC, Sandwell Talking Therapies, Sandwell Family Life, and SWEDA. Our school Facebook page is also used to share information about wider support, including Barnardo’s, LEAP (The Energy Advice and Money Centre), home energy advice, Family Hub programmes, and employment support opportunities.
Our Commitment
At Blackheath Primary School, wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. By working in partnership with children, families, and external agencies, we aim to provide early support, reduce barriers to learning, and promote resilience, confidence, and positive mental health for all members of our school community.
Wellbeing Charter Mark
Blackheath Primary School has successfully completed the Wellbeing Charter Mark awarded by Sandwell Inclusion Support, recognising our whole-school commitment to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Achieving this Charter Mark demonstrates that wellbeing is embedded across school life, from leadership and staff practice to pupil voice, curriculum provision, and targeted support for children and families. The process involved rigorous self-evaluation, reflection, and external validation of our approaches to early identification, inclusive practice, and partnership working.
This accreditation confirms that Blackheath Primary School provides a supportive, nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and able to thrive both emotionally and academically, and where wellbeing is recognised as a key foundation for learning and personal development.
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