Support and Advice for Parents and Carers

At Madginford Primary School, we understand that children’s emotional wellbeing plays an important part in their ability to learn, build relationships and feel confident.

Every child experiences different emotions and challenges as they grow. Some children may need additional support to understand and manage their feelings, develop positive relationships, build resilience or overcome barriers that affect their wellbeing and learning.

By working together, families, school and professionals can help children feel safe, valued and ready to thrive.

What are Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Needs?

SEMH needs can affect how children:

• understand and manage their emotions;
• develop relationships with others;
• cope with challenges and change;
• regulate their behaviour;
• feel confident and secure.

Children may experience difficulties linked to:

• anxiety or worries;
• low confidence or self-esteem;
• managing strong emotions;
• friendships and social situations;
• changes in routines or environments;
• coping with frustration or disappointment;
• concentration and engagement with learning.

Every child is different. Understanding the reasons behind a child’s feelings and behaviour helps us provide the right support.

How Parents Can Support Emotional Wellbeing at Home

Talk, listen and connect

Children benefit from knowing that their feelings are understood and valued.

Try to:

• make time for regular conversations;
• listen without judgement;
• acknowledge your child’s feelings;
• help your child name and understand emotions;
• reassure your child that asking for help is a strength.

You could ask:

• “How did that make you feel?”
• “What might help you next time?”
• “What went well today?”

Help your child understand emotions

Children need support to recognise and manage feelings.

You can help by:

• talking about different emotions;
• using books, stories and real-life situations to explore feelings;
• modelling calm ways to manage challenges;
• helping children understand that all feelings are okay;
• encouraging children to reflect and problem-solve.

Build confidence and resilience

Resilience develops when children experience challenges and learn that they can overcome them.

Support your child by:

• praising effort and perseverance;
• celebrating small steps and achievements;
• encouraging independence;
• helping them learn from mistakes;
• focusing on strengths and interests.

Remember:
Success is not about never finding things difficult; it is about learning strategies to overcome challenges.

Support routines and emotional security

Predictable routines help children feel safe and prepared.

Try to:

• keep regular routines where possible;
• prepare your child for changes;
• give warnings before transitions;
• use visual reminders or checklists if helpful;
• create calm spaces and opportunities to talk.

Supporting Friendships and Social Skills

Developing positive relationships is an important part of children’s wellbeing.

You can support your child by:

• talking about kindness, empathy and respect;
• practising turn-taking and cooperation;
• discussing different viewpoints;
• helping children solve problems with others;
• encouraging positive friendships.

Supporting Children with Anxiety or Worries

Some children experience worries that can feel overwhelming.

Helpful strategies include:

• listening and acknowledging worries;
• helping children identify what they can control;
• breaking challenges into smaller steps;
• practising relaxation strategies;
• maintaining positive routines;
• celebrating brave steps.

If worries begin to affect daily life, friendships, sleep or school attendance, please speak to school or seek professional advice.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Children’s mental health is supported through:

• positive relationships;
• feeling a sense of belonging;
• opportunities to be successful;
• being listened to and understood;
• developing confidence and independence.

At Madginford Primary School, we promote emotional wellbeing through our values-led approach, pastoral support, nurturing relationships and inclusive environment.

Useful Parent Resources

Kent Children’s Services and SEND Information Hub

Kent’s SEND Information Hub provides information, advice and guidance for families of children with SEND, including support relating to social, emotional and mental health needs.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/about-the-send-local-offer

Young Minds

YoungMinds provides advice and support for children, young people, parents and carers around emotional wellbeing and mental health.

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

NHS Mental Health Support for Children and Young People

The NHS provides information and advice about children’s mental health, emotional wellbeing and accessing support.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Anna Freud Centre

The Anna Freud Centre provides resources for parents and professionals to support children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

https://www.annafreud.org/

When Should I Speak to School?

Please speak to your child’s class teacher or our SEND team if you have concerns about your child’s:

• emotional wellbeing;
• confidence or self-esteem;
• friendships;
• anxiety or worries;
• ability to manage emotions;
• behaviour or engagement with learning.

Working together helps us understand your child’s needs, identify barriers and provide appropriate support.

Contacting Our SEND Team

If you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional wellbeing, learning or development, please speak with your child’s class teacher or contact our SEND team.

We value working in partnership with families and believe that open communication helps us identify barriers, celebrate strengths and provide the right support at the right time.

SENDCo: Mrs S Farrell
School Office Email: office@mps.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01622 734539

At Madginford Primary School, we believe every child should feel valued, supported and able to flourish