At our School we work with the charity Place2Be , in order to provide our Pupils in Years 1 to 6 with regular access to a Mental Health Practitioner (MHP).

Who are Place2Be?

Place2Be is a national charity working in over 600 UK schools to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. The aim is to help children feel better about themselves and when children feel better about themselves, they are able to learn more easily and that means less worry for parents and carers. 

How does Place2Be help children?

Place2Be works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. Our Mental Health Practitioner (School Counsellor) is Michelle and she is in the same dedicated room every Thursday. There are times when children feel especially sad, confused, fearful or angry, due to family problems such as separation or illness, or even the death of a much-loved pet. Children can go to explore their feelings and worries, through talking, creative work and play. Michelle supports this process, helping children to find new ways of coping with difficulties so they are less likely to get in the way of their relationships and their learning.

As well as this targeted support, all pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. Short sessions are open to individuals and to groups of up to 3 pupils. Children can request an appointment for Place2Talk by using one of the request slips available in every classroom. 

If you do not want your child to access this provision, we operate an opt-out system. Therefore, please contact the school office if you wish for your child to be removed from our sessions, making sure we have the full name and class of your child.

How does Place2Be support families?

Place2Be always gets agreement from parents or carers before they support a child through one-to-one counselling. They also meet with parents or carers regularly to keep them updated, to discuss their worries about their children and make sure they are involved from the start.

Our Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) - Michelle

Michelle is an important part of our team here at Ynysowen Community Primary, and she works with everyone at the school; Staff, Pupils (Y1-Y6) and Parents, to help make our school is a happy place and to support everyone to think about their mental health.  If you have any questions you can contact Michelle at: michelle.jones@place2be.org.uk

Michelle visits Ynysowen every Thursday and has her own dedicated room which all pupils are able to access. 

To find out more please visit the Place2Be website.