Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health in the English Curriculum
Our programmes are designed to help schools support their students' emotional wellbeing, as well as following government guidelines for the curriculum.
By the time children leave Primary education, they should know:
| Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing, DfE 2021 | Aims of Happy Schools & Happy Kids Programmes |
|---|---|
| that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health | destigmatise mental health by providing every child with knowledge and understanding of their emotions |
| that there is a normal range of emotions (e.g. happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, nervousness) and scale of emotions that all humans experience in relation to different experiences and situations | build emotional literacy and awareness to enable children to understand themselves and communicate their needs, recognising when they need additional support |
| how to recognise and talk about their emotions, including having a varied vocabulary of words to use when talking about their own and others' feelings | teach children practical and therapeutic techniques to recognise different emotions and regulate them |
| how to judge whether what they are feeling and how they are behaving is appropriate and proportionate | give children an in depth understanding of emotions and the brain, and how they affect behaviour |
| simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests; isolation and loneliness can affect children and that it is very important for children to discuss their feelings with an adult and seek support; that bullying (including cyberbullying) has a negative and often lasting impact on mental wellbeing | Empower children with practical and age-appropriate techniques for self-regulation and releasing stress. Practicing these regularly enables the children to build their resilience and confidence in themselves to be able to take care of themselves. Building self-esteem and confidence, empowering children with a sense of autonomy, will enable them to be compassionate towards their own and others’ struggles, and get the help they need. |
Early Years Foundation Stage
Our curriculum for EYFS is adapted to suit the younger ages and brings huge benefits to children's emotional wellbeing from as young as 3 years old.
Children at the expected level of development will:
| Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, DfE 2023 | Aims of Happy Schools EYFS Programme |
|---|---|
| show an understanding of their own feelings and those of others, and begin to regulate their behaviour accordingly | empower every child with knowledge and awareness of their changing emotions, whilst building emotional literacy |
| set and work towards simple goals, being able to wait for what they want and control their immediate impulses when appropriate | teach children practical strategies for slowing down and developing patience and self-control |
| give focused attention to what the teacher says...and show an ability to follow instructions | build mindful focus within each child and developing skills to actively listen and concentrate |
| be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge | develop children’s self-esteem and confidence, focusing on mental resilience and affirmations to increase self-belief |
| work and play cooperatively and take turns with others | teach children social skills to help them build social connections, whilst recognising the importance of sharing, being kind and listening to others |
| show sensitivity to their own and others’ needs | build an awareness of the self and develop empathy and compassion for others |
“I have NEVER seen Garnet class so quiet and chilled out. The children said it made them feel ‘relaxed’.
They really loved the massage. They even listened when Charlotte said to ask permission for a massage.
We would love to continue these classes all year!”
—Ms Aziz, Hammond Academy