At Moira, we understand the importance of creating a positive, supportive environment which places the emotional wellbeing of our community at the heart of everything we do.  We are delighted to be accredited with the Well Being Award for Schools which echoes the ethos we deliver.  They state:

Developed in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), the Wellbeing Award for Schools is intended to help schools prepare and equip themselves to promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health across the whole-school community. NCB’s vision is an education system where good emotional wellbeing and mental health are at the heart of the culture and ethos of all schools, so that pupils, with the support of their teachers, can build confidence and flourish. Evidence shows us that wellbeing is of central importance to learning and attainment, with high levels of wellbeing associated with improved academic outcomes. Conversely, pupils who have mental health problems are more likely to have academic difficulties at school and experience social disadvantage later in adult life.

There are four key principles driving the ideas and recommendations behind the award:

1. Emotional wellbeing and mental health are a continuum. Related issues can range from positive attitudes and behaviour, through to experiences of emotional distress and mental disorder.
2. Schools already experience and manage emotional issues on a daily basis; the objective is to minimise the impact of such issues and maximise the effectiveness of any responses.
3. Emotional wellbeing covers a range of dimensions, such as resilience, character building, relationships and self-esteem, etc. Understanding both developmental and mental health awareness is critical.
4. Creating a positive school culture requires a whole-school approach that is led from the top while involving all in the school community.

Pupils:

• Created friendship/buddy stops on both playgrounds.
• Each class elects friendship buddies and anti-bullying ambassadors.
• Years 5 and 6 elect wellbeing champions.
• Assembly themes focus on emotions and feelings.

Parents:

• Invited all parents to attend workshops on online safety led by the NSPCC.
• Invited all parents to attend an RSE workshop led by Miss Johnson.
• Updated the school website with links to support.
• Ensure weekly visits from A and D inclusion.

Staff:

• Wellbeing information is displayed in the classroom and around school.
• Training has taken place on Mental Health in the early years, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco, Bereavement, Self-Harm and Suicide, Looking for signs of mental health problems, Preventing and Tackling HBT Bullying, Safeguarding, Prevent and ELSA. 
• Children who need time to settle or are upset are given the time and space with a member of staff.