This Children’s Mental Health Week, The Galfrid School and children’s mental health charity Blue Smile have announced a new partnership to support emotional wellbeing.
A Blue Smile team will spend one day each week at the primary school to provide 1:1 arts-based therapy for children; advise teachers and parents; and work with the school team to promote mental health and wellbeing across the whole school community.
Latest NHS figures show a worrying rise in mental health difficulties among children, with 1 in 5 children in England experiencing a probable mental health disorder in 2023, up from 1 in 8 in 2017. Without prompt, effective support, these problems can have a devastating impact on children’s wellbeing, social development and ability to engage in education.
Anita Gatt, Clinical Services Manager at Blue Smile, says: “Working closely with primary schools means that we can identify children who are struggling early and provide support to help manage their mental wellbeing. Here at Blue Smile we work 1:1 with the child but also with their parents and teachers. We’re really pleased to be working with The Galfrid as our newest Partner School and look forward to supporting children and the staff team, working together to promote good mental health across the school.”
Blue Smile’s work with the Galfrid has been made possible by an award from Postcode Places Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Headteacher Claire Macfie says: “We are delighted to welcome Jenna, Susan and Josie from Blue Smile to The Galfrid School. We are looking forward to working with them to support children's mental wellbeing and ensuring that they are always ready to learn.”
The Galfrid School is a two form entry primary School in Cambridge recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors, who praised the ambitious curriculum tailored to children in school, the respectful and engaged pupils who enjoy their learning, and the good use of mindfulness techniques children use to be ready to learn each day. For more information, visit www.theGalfridSchool.org.uk.
Blue Smile has been providing 1:1 arts-based therapy and mental health support to children aged 3-13 in Cambridgeshire schools since 2010. In 2022-3, the charity worked in 30 schools across the county. For more information, visit www.BlueSmile.org.uk.
Children's Mental Health Week (5-11 February 2024) is a mental health awareness week that empowers, equips and gives a voice to all children and young people in the UK.
Photo: Rebecca French, The Galfrid School’s SENDCo & Designated Safeguarding Lead and Jenna Rutherford, Blue Smile School Clinical Lead.
