Wellbeing Advice
Nurture Provision
We introduced the children to our new Nurture provision and explained why Nurture is so important in shaping a child's social, emotional and behavioural development.
We discussed the Six Principles of Nurture -
Our learning is understood developmentally.
The classroom offers a safe base.
The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing.
Language is a vital means of communication.
All behaviour is communication.
The importance of transition in our lives.
Mrs Puttock leads our Nurture provision and it has enhanced and supported the children's learning in school.
Useful Web Sites
It is important to look after our mental health, please click on the links below for support and advice.
Group A Streptococcus Information.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust - Resilience Workshop.
Educational Psychology Services - Advice for parents and carers leaflet.
Kent and Medway CCG Mental Health Needs-
Fegans (who are part of Spurgeons) Parenting in a Pandemic -
https://www.fegans.org.uk/family-hub/
https://www.fegans.org.uk/parenting-in-a-pandemic-interview-resilience/
Kent County Council 24 Hour Helpline -
Symptom-free COVID-19 testing - https://kcc.healthit.org.uk/covbook/home
West Kent Mind - https://westkentmind.org.uk/
Don't forget that West Kent Mind are running several Zoom workshops to help support anyone with mental health issues. The courses cover a range of mental health topics and will give you practical skills, confidence and knowledge to support your own mental health and others. View the full programme by visiting their web site.
Jigsaw South East Bereavement Charity Helpline - https://www.jigsawsoutheast.org.uk/
Coronavirus - a Book for Children
https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-A-Book-for-Children
Kent Resilience Hub
Kent Resilience Hub have uploaded new digital versions of crisis support cards. The cards, which have clickable links to both local and national resources, and are suitable for pupil, parents and carer.
https://kentresiliencehub.org.uk/resources/resilience-webinar-for-parents/
Child Bereavement Organisation
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/the-invisible-suitcase
Kent County Council and NHS
KCC work in conjunction with the NHS to produce mental health information for families. The latest booklet is called "How are you feeling?" It offers a range of services to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and adults.
The NSPCC
The NSPCC have a new helpline for both children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse in schools with support and advice, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals. Anyone who gets in touch through this dedicated helpline will also be signposted to other relevant support services available, including Childline, which provides ongoing support and counselling to children and young people.
Operation Encompass
As a school we take part in Operation Encompass, a jointly run operation between Kent Police and ourselves. Operation Encompass has been set up to help schools to provide support to children who have been present, exposed to or involved in any domestic abuse incident. We know that children can be significantly physically or emotionally harmed when they witness or are involved, directly or indirectly, with any domestic abuse incident, and unfortunately, Covid has led to a sizeable increase in domestic abuse being reported throughout the U.K. At Riverhead we have two designated safeguarding officers, Mrs Bligh and Mrs Nightingale who have been trained to use the information shared, in confidence, whilst ensuring that the school is able to make provision for the right support to be available for any child and their family. If you feel that you need to speak to either of them about any issues which effect your child, please contact the school in the strictest confidence
Kent Adult Education
Kent Adult Education are offering free virtual family learning for parents and and children. Courses include managing children's behaviour, cooking on budget, family story writing, understanding your teenager and first aid for families . For more information or to book a place on the courses please contact the Business Support Team at businesssupportteam@kent.gov.uk or by calling 03000 415888.