This year, we proudly participated in Children’s Mental Health Week, focusing on the theme of kindness and how we can spread it throughout not just our school community but the wider community as well. It was a wonderful opportunity to ensure that all of our children feel heard, supported, and know they’re not alone in any feelings they may have or experience. Research has shown more and more children are struggling with their mental health with an estimated 1 in 5 children having a probable mental disorder, according to the NHS. For us, this highlights the importance of educating our children to not only look after their own mental health but to identify the signs of someone struggling. The week was deisgned to raise awareness and encourage our school community to look out for one another and learn ways to take care of our minds.

Throughout the week, each year group worked together to spread kindness and positivity, both within our school and in the local community. Here’s a glimpse of the activities that took place:

  • EYFS, Year 1 & Year 2 collaborated to create care bags that will be delivered to members of our community.

    • EYFS baked biscuits and cakes with Miss Griffiths' expertise!
    • Year 1 made bright, cheerful photo frames with positive messages like "Stay Happy" and "Keep Smiling" for local residents to add family photos to.
    • Year 2 wrote uplifting letters, sharing ideas to keep spirits high, all linked to the care bags.

  • Year 3 participated in a memory box activity as part of Dementia Friends training, learning that mental health can be impacted in many ways beyond just sadness or anxiety.

  • Year 4 designed posters, also linked to Dementia Friends training, to be displayed around school, promoting mental health awareness.

  • Year 5 created a fantastic year group assembly on internet safety, featuring drama scenarios, freeze frames, raps, poems, and a PowerPoint presentation to emphasize the importance of staying safe online.

  • Year 6 designed and distributed leaflets on how to look after mental health, sharing them with shoppers in Sainsbury’s to promote random acts of kindness.

We’re delighted with the effort our children put into making this week meaningful and impactful. By taking part in these activities, our children learned valuable lessons about kindness, mental health, and community, and we look forward to continuing to support their well-being.

At Chapelford, we are proud to say 'Every Mind Matters!'

Children's Mental Health Week