We believe that happy children learn and therefore children's mental health and well-being is important to us. Our Mental Health Lead for children is Mrs Surtees who is also supported in her role by a team of teachers and support staff across the school.

Mrs Surtees undertook Mental Health Training delivered by Thrive. This training was accessed through the DFE Mental Health grant available to schools.

In September 2023, all staff received training in the Emotional & Social Curriculum, delivered by the Mulberry School. The Emotional and Social Curriculum is an intervention that we use to help support children both 1:1 and in small groups to help improve children's emotional well-being.

Who is our ELSA?

Mrs Stanley is our ELSA. ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. As part of her work, Mrs Stanley will work with children on a 1:1 basis or as part of a small nurture group.

She will help support children to talk about their worries or concerns and help build up their emotional literacy, being able to talk about their feelings.

Our ELSA is based in The Meadow - an area that provides a safe, warm, nurturing environment to help support our children. We are very grateful to Faringdon Rotary Club who donated £3000 to help convert our old staffroom into the Meadow. 

If you feel your child would benefit form Mrs Stanley's support, please contact the school office.

Young Carers at John Blandy Primary

At John Blandy, we have a thriving Young Carers' group that runs once a week and is run by Mrs Stanley. The children have great fun and it is an opportunity for our Young Carers to have space to chat with their friends whilst doing arts and crafts or take part in games, both inside and out!