The team here at Bedford are fully committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need in order to meet their full potential. This means attending to their social, emotional and mental well-being. Whilst this can be addressed through PSHE sessions, some children require additional support to help them in these areas.

You can find details of our PSHE scheme of work on the curriculum section of the website. 

We work alongside a number of external professionals who help to enrich our children's lives. These services are provided by: 

-OSSME

-Play therapists 

-Everton in the Community  

-Mental Health Support Team 

-Hopes Therapy Dogs 

Sleep

Having a sleep issue is surprisingly common. At any given time this affects up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis). These problems are typically persistent and do not resolve themselves without intervention.

Families often don't know where to seek help and yet issues can often be nipped in the bud with basic and accessible interventions.

The National Sleep Helpline 03303 530 541

The National Sleep Helpline helps anyone with sleep issues including adults, parents and young people. The helpline is available from 7pm and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday on 03303 530 541. 

Poor sleep can affect anyone and it can be a major stress for parents whose own sleep can be impaired by their children's difficulties getting to sleep, staying asleep or staying in their own bed, leading to greater stress.

Sleep Resources for Parents

Mental Health Support Team (Sefton) 

We are incredibly lucky to have support from the Mental Health Support Team (MHST). The team offers support to children and young people who are experiencing: 

- Low mood

-Worry

-Anxiety and avoidance (example; simple phobias or separation anxiety) 

- Sleep difficulties

The team can provide techniques and strategies to children and young people, either on a direct 1:1 basis, or within school groups. MHST also work closely with parents and carers to help them understand and support their child's mental health. 

Mr Briscoe is our schools mental health lead and would happy to discuss your child's needs further if you feel this service would be useful to you. 

Therapy Dogs

Here at Bedford we work alongside the team at Hope's Therapy Dogs to provide our children with SEMH needs 1:1 session with the skilled practitioners. 

"Multi award-winning, ethically lead therapy dog interventions that strengthen emotional and mental health in schools, healthcare and work places. We believe every person has a needed contribution - and with the right support, there is always hope" 

You can find some ideas for wellbeing apps here: https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-wellbeing-apps-for-kids

Information about Mental Health in children:  https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

Please see the links below for resources to support emotional wellbeing and mental health.