Northgate is an inclusive school which offers a range of support and provisions for children with Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND), as well as pupils needing additional nurture and pastoral care. We have a sensory room and a full time Pastoral Lead. In addition, the school has a programme of Circle Time, Wellbeing and PSHE lessons which allow children to share ideas and talk through any difficulties that may arise.
Please see below for further information about how you can support your children at home.
Looking after ourselves
Looking after your own mental health is just as important as looking after your child's mental health. There are many things that will be causing an increase in our stress and anxiety levels.
The Every Mind Matters website provides expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your own mental health and wellbeing.
Advice for Parents / Carers during the Covid-19 outbreak
Wellbeing Workshop
The SENDCo ran a wellbeing workshop for parents on 15 January 2020. If you were unable to attend the event and would like to receive a copy of the presentation, please contact the school office.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Please see some information below in how to help your children feel good and improve their mental health and wellbeing:
- The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
- You’re never too young to talk mental health – Anna Freud leaflet
- Wellbeing Support for parents/carers - poster
- Healthy Young Minds in Herts – what to do when you’re worried etc.
- Parent/carer tip No. 1 – Five ways to wellbeing
- Parent/carer tip No. 2 – omitted as this is only relevant for young adults ages 16+
- Parent/carer tip No. 3 – How to stay emotionally healthy
- Parent/carer tip No. 4 – Exam stress
- Parent/carer tip No. 5 - Listening to your child
- Parent/carer tip No. 6 - Sleep
- Parent/carer tip No. 7 – Autism and anxiety
- NHS PowerPoint - How to support your child's transition back to school after lockdown
- Partnership for Children - Activities to help your child deal with their feelings and reactions to the Covid-19 situation
- MindEd for Families - Should I be concerned or worried?
- Place2Be - Wellbeing activities for families
Mindfulness for Children
There are lots of different resources available to support children with mindfulness. These a just a small selection to get you started:
- Peace Out - guided relaxation for younger children (YouTube)
- Cosmic Kids – guided relaxation combining yoga and mindfulness (YouTube)
- Headspace for Kids
School Health
You can refer your child to the School Nursing service for a range of different health issues. Please see the referral guidance and criteria below for further details:
- General School Nursing Information
- Referral guidance and criteria for parents/carers
- Health for Kids website – child friendly information, activities and games
ASPECTS
You are able to make a self-referral to ASPECTS who are a team of family support workers (based in Bishop’s Stortford) who can help with a wide range of family challenges, including: positive attitudes to school learning; attendance, risk of exclusion, behaviour at home and in school, transition, family relationships, physical and mental health including emotional wellbeing and bereavement.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service (for children under 5)
You are able to access a range of support through the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service which includes:
- One-to-one family support in your home or Family Centre focused on a specific part of family life you would like help with (for example, positive behaviour strategies, My Baby's Brain and parental emotional wellbeing)
- Parenting courses or other Family Centre sessions that might be right for you
- Support around developing Healthy Relationships
- Support when you are pregnant
- Support your own well-being and confidence
- Suggest fun activities for your family to enjoy at home which will support your child's learning and development
- Signposting to wider services such as financial worries, debt management and Citizens Advice Burearu
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service website
Counselling – Age 10 +
The Sandbox is an NHS-funded service to support children and young people aged between 10 and 25 who are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire. It is an online only service designed to support with mental health and well-being. In addition to providing NHS-funded support, the Sandbox is a central place for information about common mental health issues, with information on how to access additional support or emergency services.
Parent ChatHealth 0-5 years messaging service
Hertfordshire parents and carers of babies and children 0-5 years can now text for advice and support about a range of health issues. Messages sent to the dedicated number 07480 635164 are delivered to a secure website and responded to by a member of the Health visiting team (within 24 hours). The service is available Mon-Fri 9-5pm with automatic replies sent out of hours. ChatHealth 0-5 years texting advice service Jan 2021 - YouTube