By Mrs Thomas (Year 3 Teacher)

This week in the Junior School, we have been taking part in Children's Mental Health Week, exploring the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’. This initiative, launched by the children's mental health charity Place2Be, encourages young people across the UK to develop a better understanding of their emotions and wellbeing.

We began with a whole school assembly where pupils considered the importance of recognising and tuning into their feelings. By understanding their emotions, whether joy, fear or uncertainty, they can make thoughtful choices, regulate their behaviour and know when to seek support.

Throughout the week, a range of lunchtime activities has been available, offering different ways to engage with emotions. Pupils have taken part in hand massage sessions to encourage calm, contributed positive messages in chalk around the playground and joined yoga and movement sessions designed to support relaxation and self-expression.

As part of the week, pupils have also been invited to take part in an Inside Out poster competition, designing a new emotion to feature in the well-known film. This creative challenge has encouraged them to think about feelings that may not always be easy to describe and bring their ideas to life through art and storytelling.

The week has provided valuable opportunities for pupils to reflect on their emotions and explore different ways to support their wellbeing.