What is well-being?

At Barnack Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play.

At our school we:

help children to understand their emotions and feelings better
help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
help children socially to form and maintain relationships
promote self esteem and ensure children know that they count
encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’
help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks

Dealing with grief and loss

It can be extremely difficult when you lose someone you knew. Whether you’ve lost a family member, a friend, or a pet, you may feel a whole range of emotions.

Grief is an emotional response to this loss, and is a process rather than an event. It may affect how you feel physically, mentally and socially.

On this page, we have provided a few links to useful websites, to support parents and carers and books about grief which we hope will help your child come to terms with a loss.

Useful websites

Young Minds

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-and-loss/ - this is a great website for children and adults. The video on this page is suitable for children in Year 3 upwards.

Winston's Wish

https://www.winstonswish.org/ - another excellent website which gives appropriate information for supporting children.

Documents and guides for Parents and Carers

The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup

Fox lies down in the snow and passes away. The other animals in the forest each recount happy memories of Fox. As they do, a beautiful orange plant starts to grow in the place where Fox died. This is an excellent book to help us reflect on what we love and miss about those who have died.

The book starts just after 1 minute so you may wish to start here.

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it's okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life's toughest moments. Great for Reception and KS1 pupils.

Always and Forever by Alan Durant

When Fox dies, the rest of his family are distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they all realize that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories.

‘’Emotional and psychological wellbeing affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices’’

~Mental health.gov

‘’The strength and capacity of our minds to grow and develop, to be able to overcome difficulties and challenges and to make the most of our abilities and opportunities.’’

Barnack Primary School