Wellbeing
At Armitage, we have specialist staff and a whole range of programmes to help support children's social and emotional development. Look at the categories below to find out more about what we offer.
Specialist Staff
Learning Mentor
"Hi, I’m Mr Allan. I’m a Learning Mentor. It’s my job to support you when you need a little extra help. That might be help with learning, or feelings, or friends, or anything else. I will make time for you if you want to talk, whether you have a problem or just want a chat. Oh, and if something breaks, bring it to me and I will try and help you fix it."
Art Therapist
"Hello, my name is Dave and I am an art therapist working at Armitage Primary School. If you are struggling with feelings or emotions that are difficult to understand, then art therapy might help you. Using the art materials can be a good way of trying to work out what is going on and we can use the art work you make to think and talk about your experiences, which may change the way you feel."
Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness
"Hi, My name is Mrs.Wilberforce and I'm a Mindfulness and Yoga teacher at Armitage. Our feelings and emotions can be difficult to understand at times, especially if something upsetting is happening to us, using Mindful techniques and practicing Yoga gives your mind and body a rest, allowing your brain some space to work out how you feel. If you're struggling with the way you're feeling, come and see me and together we can explore a way to make you feel better."
Relaxation
After every break time and lunchtime all children across the school take part in relaxation exercises. Most exercises involve listening to relaxing music. Whilst the music is playing a variety of exercises can be done; controlled breathing, self massage, peer massage etc. These exercises allow the children to regain focus and give them time to settle after what may have been an over exciting break time. The children really enjoy elements of relaxation and find themselves feeling calm and focused when it is time to work.
Calm Space
Life can be challenging for everyone, even the youngest people in society. When children are struggling with something, no matter whether that's something at home, a social situation or they are simply finding their work too difficult, they become overwhelmed and sometimes need to find a little breathing space. We have a dedicated space just for this. With help from staff and a plethora of resources, children can take the time to reset themselves in our Calm Space. When the children have had time to process their feelings, they then return to class.
Some of the resources found in the Calm Space are:
- Cushions and comforts
- Hideaway tipi
- Stomping space
- Musical Instruments
- Soft toys and squeezies
- Sensory lights
- Visual relaxation techniques
- Storybooks
More about...
Learning Mentor
What is a Learning Mentor?
The support offered by a Learning Mentor is closely tailored to individual children, to meet their needs and build upon their strengths.
These include therapeutic arts and crafts, roleplaying, circle time, boardgames, literacy and numeracy support, support in tests and examinations, sensory work, woodwork, science, Lego therapy, computing and out-of-school trips.
How can working with a Learning Mentor help my child?
Our Learning Mentor offers support and guidance to children to help improve their learning and wellbeing. Some of the reasons a Learning Mentor might work with children are:
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To improve confidence and self-esteem.
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To help children to overcome problems that affect their ability to learn.
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To practice social and communication skills.
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To foster special talents and interests.
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To help children express themselves and talk about their feelings.
Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
The aim of Art Therapy is to help your child think about their thoughts and feelings in a safe way with help from Dave, the Art Therapist. When children find it difficult to talk about their thoughts and feelings, it can affect the work that they do in the class room. By using different art materials to make art, your child may find it easier to communicate without words to describe how they feel. The art work can then be used as a starting point to talk about how your child may be feeling. This can help your child grow and change in a positive way. Your child does not have to be good at art to take part and Art Therapy is not a punishment or a reward.
What happens in Art Therapy?
Dave, the Art Therapist, may give a theme to the sessions or your child may be free to make anything they wish. There will be a range of art materials to choose from including paints, oil pastels, coloured pencils, felt tips, collage materials and clay. Your child will spend some time using the art materials to make art and some time will be spent thiking and talking about the art work. This may help your child understand how they feel and why they feel this way.
Is Art Therapy Private?
Yes, your child's art work will be kept safely by Dave until all the sessions have finished. What your child talks about in Art Therpay is private. However, if Dave is concerned that your child or someone else may be at risk, he will discuss this with key members of the school team. Dave will talk to your child about this first. As an Art Therapist, Dave will have regular supervision where he will talk about what happens in the sessions with his supervisor. This is to make sure that your child's needs are being met.
How Can Parents Help?
You can help your child by making sure that they attend school every day, especially on the day the Art Therapy sessions are taking place. Your child is free to talk about what happens in the Art Therapy sessions but only if they want to - try not to pressure them into talking about it. Your support will help your child greatly. Please let Dave know about any changes in your child's life and please feel free to get in touch if you have any concerns.
Yoga therapy and mindfulness
What is Yoga?
Yoga helps children to focus and co-ordinate through physical poses. Self regulation is also enhanced through breathing exercises and deep relaxation. Yoga is not a religious practice and is suitable for everyone and every type of body! Yoga teaches respect and kindness for each other and for the world we live in. Sessions of around 50 minutes are taught by a Children's Yoga Teacher.
What is Mindfulness?
Often, a child's emotions can become too extreme and all encompassing for a number of reasons. For example, extreme sadness following a bereavement, or overwhelming worry about school or home; extreme anger or shyness may also be the presentation. By focusing in greater detail on 'now', a variety of techniques such as breath-work ,grounding and deep relaxation, the mind is given a break from extreme emotions and this begins a healing process. These sessions of 45-50 minutes aim to enhance a child's awareness of the world around them using their senses.