Parents/Carers,

We are delighted to announce that, this year, we will again be participating in Children’s Mental Health Week. This will take place from 5^th- 8^th February and is in association with the mental health charity ‘Place To Be’.

The theme for this year is ‘My voice matters’ and is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. When we feel empowered, this can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Children and young people who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. This year, we want children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be empowered to work together to create a positive change for their mental health and wellbeing.

During the week, all pupils across school will be discussing ways - and thinking about strategies -to support mental health, whilst also participating in activities that will allow them to express themselves. As always, we recognise the important role parents and carers play in the mental wellbeing of our children; therefore, we want to provide our pupils with the opportunity to take part in an activity within school with a member of their family.

On Tuesday 6^th February, it is also ‘Safer Internet Day’ - throughout the day we will be promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. We will also be making links between the use of technology and our own mental health, focussing in particular on how to better-protect ourselves within the digital world.

We would ideally love to see as many parents in school as possible. However, due to the majority of the lessons taking place within the school hall, and in order to comply with relevant Health & Safety and Fire Regulations, we are only able to offer one parent/carer place per child for the activities within school. If you are not able to attend due to other commitments, then a grandparent or other family member may attend in your place. We are unfortunately not able to accommodate any younger siblings.  

All sessions in school will involve parental participation, with the primary aim being for you to you and your child to express themselves– and have some fun together! School will provide all resources needed for the activity.

We will also be encouraging pupils to ‘express themselves’ by allowing them to come into school in mufti on the day of their parent session.

 Please see the timetable below for all sessions:

Timetable for Parent Sessions

In addition to the parent sessions, we have organised Phase Trust Mentoring Service to come into school and lead a workshop for Year 5 and Year 6, with regard to mental health and self-care. This was very successful last year and we are delighted to be offered it again this year. This is in addition to the Parent Session, so will be held in school with school staff only.

Finally, year 5 and 6 pupils will be participating in ‘Withymoor’s Got Talent’ during this week. I have spoken to all pupils in upper key stage two, and some children have already expressed an interest in showcasing a talent to the rest of key stage 2. Further information will be sent to pupils in year 5 and 6 only.

If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We really look forward to working with you during this unique week.

Regards

Lara Billingham

Assistant Headteacher- SENCO/Inclusion/Senior Mental Health Lead