At Leigh Stationers’ Primary Academy we believe that education is about more than just academic success; it is about nurturing the “whole child.” Emotional health and wellbeing are the very foundations upon which all learning is built. We understand that for a child to excel in the classroom, they must first feel safe, valued, and understood.
Our school is a community where every child’s voice matters. We recognise that life can be a journey of highs and lows, and children today face unique pressures—from navigating friendships and social media to managing the transition between year groups. We are dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where mental health is talked about openly, removing any stigma and ensuring that no child—or parent—feels they have to face challenges alone.
Wellbeing at Leigh Stationers’ Primary Academy is not a “bolt-on” or a one-off lesson; it is the thread that runs through our entire curriculum. From the way we greet children at the gate in the morning to the mindfulness practices we share in assembly, we aim to equip our pupils with a “toolkit” of emotional strategies that will serve them long after they leave us for secondary school.
We view wellbeing as a shared journey between school and home. By working together, we can ensure that our children grow up with the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, the empathy to support those around them, and the confidence to be exactly who they are.
What is Wellbeing?
Wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness. It is about feeling good and functioning well. For children, it means:
- Feeling confident and having a positive sense of self.
- Being able to express a range of emotions.
- Building and maintaining healthy relationships with others.
- Having the “bounce back” factor (resilience) to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Why is it Important?
Mental health and physical health are equally important. When children have good mental wellbeing, they are better able to:
- Engage with their learning and reach their academic potential.
- Develop social skills and empathy.
- Manage stress and overcome challenges.
- Make healthy choices as they grow into young adults.
How We Support Our School Community
For Children
We take a “whole-school approach” to wellbeing. This means it is woven into everything we do:
- The Curriculum: We teach Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) through our PSHE lessons to help children identify and manage their feelings.
- Safe Spaces: Every classroom is a safe space for children who need a quick 1-1 chat with a trusted adult.
- Targeted Support: We provide small-group interventions like ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support) and Draw & Talk for children who need extra help navigating their emotions.
- Peer Mentors: Our pupil-led peer mentor team helps ensure the playground is a friendly, inclusive space for everyone.
For Adults (Parents & Staff)
We know that to look after our children, we must also look after ourselves.
- Staff: We provide regular training on mental health awareness and ensure staff have access to professional supervision and wellbeing resources.
Mind in Bexley: Provides talking therapies, crisis support, and wellbeing groups for adults.
Tel: 020 8303 8932
Bexley Crisis Café: A safe, out-of-hours space for adults in mental distress. Located at 235 Erith Road.
Family Hubs (Erith & Bexleyheath): Offers parenting support and family wellbeing services.
Local Support in Bexley
If you or your child need support outside of school, there are excellent local services available within the London Borough of Bexley:
School Nurses and Health Visitors providing health and emotional advice.
Tel: 0300 330 5777
Kooth Free, safe, and anonymous online counselling for ages 10+
Bexley Moorings Mentoring and support for vulnerable children and young carers.
Bexley CAMHS Specialist NHS mental health support (usually via GP referral). Tel: 020 3260 5200
Additional Key Websites for Support and Information
- Kent Resilience Hub
The Kent Resilience Hub is a resource that helps young people, parents and carers, staff and practitioners to understand emotional wellbeing and resilience - Anna Freud
We listen to and learn from children and young people, work with them to build better solutions, and amplify their voices to aid better understanding of mental health conditions. - Mind – 5 Ways to Wellbeing
We’re Mind. We’re here to fight mental health. For support for respect, for you. - Place2be
We are committed to helping children with their mental health. Our approach to children’s mental health means we aim to intervene early to prevent life-long mental health issues. - BBC Mindfulness
Play Dr Ranj’s mindfulness exercise to help you and your kids practice being mindful in everyday life. - Young Minds
Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling and find ways to feel better, or you want to support someone who’s struggling, we can help. - NHS – Every Mind Matters
Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling and find ways to feel better, or you want to support someone who’s struggling, we can help.