PUPILS and staff at Bratton Primary School have been busy celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week, Chinese New Year and NSPCC Number Day this month.
Pupils enjoyed a whole week of activities to support Children’s Mental Health Week, organised by Mrs Hardwick, Giraffe class teacher. Each morning children across the school started the day with a mindfulness activity, with breathing and relaxing music to support their emotional wellbeing.
The school said, “We also had the pleasure of hosting staff members from Mind, an independent charity supporting people in Wiltshire who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress. Staff from Mind worked with all the individual classes with positive workshops to discuss all aspects of mental health, and tips to help children manage their feelings.
“In addition to the individual class workshops, parents were also invited into school to work with the Mind professionals to discuss skills which could support their children at home should any mental health concerns arise. Finally, Giraffe class had a special visitor, Miss Bhagi is a local GP and she very kindly spoke to the class about thoughts and feelings.
“She tasked all the children to blow up a balloon, each blow was a thought or worry the children had, and encouraged the children to let the balloons go and let the associated worries be released. The children really enjoyed seeing their thoughts in the balloons whizzing around the classroom!
“Bratton School is keen to support all members of the school community with their mental health, and hope that this special week has empowered all students to speak out about any concerns.”
NSPCC Number Day
Thousands of schools and nurseries across the UK took part in the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) mega maths fundraising day on Friday 2nd February.
The school added, “The students and staff at the school really jumped on board with the number theme, with really creative outfits and enthusiasm! The children used their number-related outfits for dramatic maths lessons and activities during the day. Number Day is a really fabulous day, and all the children enjoyed all the activities arranged, and it certainly was a great opportunity for children to apply their knowledge and maths skills!”
Chinese New Year
On Thursday 8th February, the school catering team arranged a special lunch to tie into Chinese New Year! Mrs Youngs and Miss Youngs cooked a mountain of chicken noodles for the children and staff to enjoy.
The school says, “Students from Zebra class even made their own little Chinese takeaway in their role play area, along with some cute little Chinese inspired hanging lanterns, which are displayed for all to enjoy.”