As an academy we want to support the Mental Health and Wellbeing of our whole school community - pupils, parents/carers and staff.  Please see below for our Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and our latest information for parents with links to support for mental health and wellbeing.

Joy - our therapy dog 
We have our own therpay dog - Joy. Therapy dogs can change children's lives, they can make each day happier and more complete and they can offer comfort, alleviate stress and create an atmosphere of engagement, social interaction and emotional support.
Research has shown that they create a positive learning environment and they are calm, gentle and patient. Joy will offer gentle petting to serve as a reassuring presence and can help students with specific tasks to help the pupil feel more comfortable and relaxed. She will also reduce stress and relieve anxiety and can help motivate pupils to participate in learning activities.
Having a Therapy dog at school is fantastic for the children and is an enjoyable and positive experience for everyone which can help encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self esteem and inspire young people to relax and have fun.

Meet 'Joy' below our therapy puppy.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2025

This year, the children celebrated Children's Mental Health Week with the theme of ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’ based on Pixar’s movie Inside Out.   The Well-being Warriors presented an assembly all about Mental Health followed by a fun Kahoot Quiz. 

Children also got to take part in a special Inside Out Scavenger Hunt during their break times.

Well-being Afternoons

At the end of the half terms, the whole school take part in a well-being afternoon.  Children get to choose a range of well-being activities that range from Forest School, drawing, crafts, netball, dancing amongst others.  In February, we also had Disney colouring and making dreamcatchers.    These afternoons are enjoyed by both staff and children and gives opportunity to try activities that they may not have done before with the added benefit of enhancing their well-being. 

At Studley St Mary's we use the Zones of Regulation throughout the day. We believe that children should have the opportunity to share all feelings and emotions in a safe environment at any point of the day. We also use a variety of 5 point scales to help us to recognise our emotions and identify our early warning signs.

Wellbeing and mental health support for children at Studley

All children learn about their wellbeing and mental health at Studley through stories, assemblies, PSHE lessons and our Christian ethos.  

The photos below show the different ways that all children can access support when they need it.

• Good to Talk boxes
• Calm corners in every class
• Support from named adults 
• PSHE lessons
• Access to nurture at break and lunchtimes
• Regular workshops provided by the Mental Health in Schools Team.

The SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provision document shows in more detail what further support may be offered to children if greater needs arise.