At Fleetdown Primary, our pupil's wellbeing is of the upmost importance. We have an accredited Nurture provision and apply Nurture principles across the school.

We have trained Draw and Talk Practitioners in addition to two trained ELSA Practitioners and a qualified counsellor. We have accredited Nurture Practitioners running award winning groups across both Key stages in 2 beautifully refurbished rooms. We have a positive environment where mistakes are seen as a normal part of learning and an opportunity. Staff also offer all children time to communicate and listen to their concerns.

We have lunchtime Nurture available to Years 1 to 6.  We have chatterboxes, overseen by the Family Liaison Officer (more information below), our Pirate Ship staff run Deaf Healthy Minds lessons. Each classroom has a wellbeing area or "cosy corner" with calming sensory boxes to use.  There are plants in the classroom and photos of the children to create a homely environment. 

We have carried out research on the use of massage therapy to reduce pupil anxiety (see below).

Captain Wonderweb and the Esteem Machine! 

In term 5, Wednesday 24th April 2024, as part of our whole school Mental Health and Well Being, we enjoyed a theatre show of Captain Wonderweb and the Esteem Machine brought to us by the NHS. In the show we participated with discussion and movement. We discussed our anxieties, physical exercise, diet, sleep patterns and who we can talk to, to support our mental health. We all enjoyed it so much! See if you can remember the song! 

Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 

Monday 5th February - Friday 9th February 

This year the theme was OUR VOICE MATTERS. We had an assembly and time in class to discuss any changes/ improvements we wished to be considered in school including lunchtimes and / parts of our day.  We shared these with Mrs Harrington.    

EYFS explored Forest School and made calm sticks. The children wrapped a stick in wool which took patience and concentration. The classes practised their breathing as they wound the wool around the stick and once they had finished they used their calm sticks to point at interesting natural items they found in the forest.  

Some classes in Year 1 – 6 explored the larger forest. Children could choose to experience a barefoot safari and were incredibly proud of themselves. Walking on grass reduces our stress and makes us more in touch with how our bodies are feeling.  

Children's Mental Health Week 2023

We celebrated Children's Mental Health week 6th- 10th February 2023.

One of the events was a competition for children to design a logo for Children's Mental Health Week at Fleetdown. Our main winners were Maame Yaa  in Year 5 and Ella-Rose in Year 2.

Prizes also went to:

Ryan B - Year 6

Sophia B - Year 2

Samuel K - Year 2

Lottie W Year 4 

Rosie-May Year 3

Congratulations everyone, we are so proud of your efforts!

Chatterboxes

Each class now has a Chatterbox where they can put their name if they need to speak to an adult.  These are checked every day and we aim to respond to the children within 24 hours.  So far, the chatterboxes have proved incredibly popular and have enabled us to provide extra support for those children that need it as well as hear about some things that the children have enjoyed both in and out of school. 

Kooth 

It is important not to neglect our mental health. Kooth is an online counselling service that is available for all children, aged 10 or above, in Dartford.  Here are some resources that explain more about it and how to access the support.