Schoolsworks is a multi-academy trust in West Sussex. Our aim is to create small hubs of schools which work closely together to collaborate, share best practice and improve outcomes for children.

Schoolsworks

Rustington

Wellbeing at RCPS

Wellbeing can be defined as the state of being

comfortable, healthy and happy.

Positive wellbeing helps us to thrive in an uncertain world.

As identified in our vision statement, we recognise that emotional health is closely linked to mental health for everyone in our school community and strive, as a school, to embed practices and approaches that promote positive mental health and wellbeing within our ethos, interactions and across the curriculum.

In the summer of 2021 we made a commitment to work towards the Wellbeing Award for Schools. Working towards the award has provided us with a framework to reflect on our current practices, celebrate the things we already do well and provided opportunity for us to identify and take steps to ensure wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

We have a designated team for supporting wellbeing within the school.

Staff Wellbeing and

Workload Lead:

 

 

Anna Powell

Home School link worker

Senior Mental Health Lead:

Michaela Pullar

ELSA Lead (Emotional Literacy Support):

 

Heidi Kirby

 

We have 5 staff trained as

Mental Health First Aiders:

 

Marie Smailes

Anna Powell

 Michaela Pullar

Harriet Buck

Rob Cumpstey

We also have staff and children who support the nurture work our - Nurture Ninja Team:

 

 We are a Thoughtful School

We have a West Sussex Mental Health and Wellbeing practitioner based at our school who we can refer children to for:

Sleep difficulties related to poor sleep routine, behavioural problems, anxiety-based night-time avoidance behaviours, or problematic thoughts or worries at night

Poor eating patterns or diet affected by and/or affecting mood (Not eating disorders)

Low mood, depression and low self-esteem

Anxiety difficulties including phobias (e.g. animals, vomit, agoraphobia etc.), separation anxiety, social anxiety, school avoidance and excessive worry (Not Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Common behavioural difficulties (ages 4-8 only)

In the first instance please speak to your class teacher is you would like your child to be considered for a referral.

Further information on this service can be found online.

We are also keen to support families where we can

Click on one of our online notice boards to find links to Local Support Services.

 

 

 

 

We have a Food Pantry that is open every Tuesday.

Available on the front playground opposite our Coffee Drop in. If you're short on food or toiletries we're here to help -  supported by the team at St Peter's and St Paul's Church in Rustington.

We are also able to issue Trussell Trust Food Vouchers. Just speak to Ms Smailes, Miss Powell or Ms Pullar for further information.

Children

Our curriculum is developed to not only challenge children academically but to also inspire creativity and support and foster their emotional development.

Children are supported to develop their knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves healthy, both physically and mentally, in turn raising awareness and reducing the stigma attached to mental health issues. In addition, we offer a bespoke curriculum which enables focus on diversity, differences and a celebration of each child’s unique qualities. These aspects are covered through our;

  • RSHE curriculum
  • Peace Works and Peer Mediator programmes
  • Assemblies that focus on Life Skills; Mental Health awareness and Positive Wellbeing
  • Pupil Parliament giving opportunity for every pupil to have a voice in school decisions
  • Restorative behaviour approach
  • Zones of Regulation as a common language to support emotional regulation
  • Twice weekly Let’s Reflect sessions providing purposeful time to focus and develop strategies that promote positive wellbeing such as mindfulness and the use of daily affirmations
  • Access to outdoor learning sessions increasing the opportunity for children to connect with nature

You can find out more about our broad and balanced curriculum here. https://rustington.academy/Curriculum/ 

Staff and Children

Rustington Community Primary is a friendly, caring school committed to offering every child and staff member a secure, stimulating, nurturing and happy environment where everyone is able to do their best. This includes raising awareness of mental health issues with everyone, providing training for staff for early identification of mental health needs and providing support for those most at risk or already showing signs of social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Ensuring everyone knows who they can talk to if the need help.

In addition, by providing opportunities for everyone to develop their own knowledge and skills to support their own wellbeing, we empower everyone.

With the correct balance of all of the above, our pupils will develop the self-respect, self-esteem and resilience, along with the knowledge and skills needed to take on challenges they may face and to succeed in life.

Parents and families

The parenting session on 'how to support an anxious child' taught me to understand my child and gave me the confidence to support them. The part I will remember the most is the analogy of the 'meerkat brain' which explains how my child responds when they are stressed; it helps me to have strategies for their behaviour.

We recognise the integral role that each and every one of us play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of each member of our community. By providing a page here on our website not only can we keep you up to date with our wellbeing journey, but also provide you with direct links to services and information that we hope will bring support to you in one place, whenever you need it.

We are keen to work with parents to provide information and support that will promote positive wellbeing at home. Parent workshops provide an opportunity for us to share with you our knowledge, experiences and skills that will in turn enhance how you can support your children emotionally and academically at home. Keep an eye out through ParentMail and the Friday Flyer for topics, dates and ways you can attend (in person or virtually)

If you have concerns about your child, then please in the first instance speak to your child’s class teacher. We know drop off and pick up times can be busy, so the easiest and quickest way to arrange a private conversation is to email through to the school office asking for the teacher to contact you. We will endeavour to do this as quickly as possible.

The office can be contacted on office@rustington.academy and don’t forget to say which class/ teacher you need to speak to. 

Further Support - Who to Contact

Our assistant head teachers can also be contacted via the school office, should you need any further support: Mr Rob Cumpstey and Mrs Holden (SENDCo)

Special Educational Needs and Inclusion – address email FAO: SEND Office

You will also usually see our Head teacher, Ms Marie Smailes and our Deputy, Miss Anna Powell in and around the school entrances and exits at drop off and pick up time where you can approach them as needed.

We are all here to help and make the children's time with us happy and productive.