Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84719715569?pwd=Mm2kQMzam65Jrk2NKqcBjVrVbDINjV.1

Meeting ID: 847 1971 5569
Passcode: VA05jx

We look forward to your participation!

Miss Ancel and Mrs Pollington

Wellbeing Team

To raise awareness around neurodiversity, we looked at different brain powers.
The children really enjoyed the neurodiversity assembly!
Why not take part in this initiative by watching a short video?

We kicked off CMHW celebrations in style with a yoga session on Monday 5th Feb.

Parents and children joined Miss Ancel for a 15 mins yoga routine. Attendees left refreshed and ready to face their busy day .

Dear Parents/Carers,

Children’s Mental Health Week will take place from 5th-11th February 2024. The theme this year is ‘my voice matters’.

This theme is about empowering children and young people by equipping them with tools to express themselves and look after their mental health and wellbeing.

In our continued effort to raise standards and wellbeing for all, we will be celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week as follows:

Monday 5^th Feb: Dress to Express Mufti Day.

Children and adults are invited to wear something that speaks loudly about who they are, what they like, what makes them feel happy, relaxed, content. It could be a superhero costume, their favourite shoes, a fun hat or anything that makes one feel positive about oneself! We will ask for £1 donation. Funds raised will be used to purchase sensory equipment.

Monday 5^th Feb to Wednesday 7^th Feb: Zones of Regulation Yoga for Parent & Child

Join Miss Ancel from 08:30 to 08:45 to practise a standing up yoga routine. Experience Zones to Regulation in action with your child. If you want to attend with your child, please join Miss Ancel in the Assembly hall.

In addition to the above, all children will take part in activities throughout the week aimed at showing them a range of tools they can use to look after their mental wellbeing.

These are as follows:

Reception, YR1 and YR2 will take part in Forest Meditation led by Miss Simion in the Forest School area.

YR3, YR4, YR5 and YR6 will work with Miss Ancel and Mrs Pollington on confidence skills.

Check out the Wellbeing page and the school’s Twitter feed for more info from 5^th February.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Pollington and Miss Ancel

Wellbeing Team

Bentley, a Newfoundland water rescue dog, is our new Therapy Dog. He replaces Pepsi who, sadly, moved too far away to visit.

Mr Humphreys, a retired prison governor, joined the charity Pets as Therapy a few years ago. Bentley has been visiting care homes and supported patients with dementia.

Bentley will visit our school on Mondays. He will work with children who need support in reading but also children who might need a confidence boost or children who will benefit from Bentley’s charm and calm demeanour. The sessions are scheduled by Mrs Pollington who will chaperone the children and be able to monitor their enjoyment and progress.

This initiative is part of our continuous effort in raising standards and support children’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

Have you ever wondered how we learn to feel that we are hungry or thirsty? How does our brain know that we are tired or frustrated? 

Do we have 5 , 6, 7, 0r 8 senses?

Watch this 2mins video to find out!

Support for adopters
Due to early trauma and separation, adopted children have often developed certain coping mechanisms that mean they can find it difficult to form relationships, and display challenging behaviour.

You will learn various techniques during your preparation training on how to cope with this, but as you get to know your child you will become aware of the complexities of their issues.

It is important to recognise at this point that this is the norm and that there is support and a range of therapies available to help you and your child overcome these difficulties.

Your Regional Adoption Agency can advise you on the adoption support services that may be available to you.

Support services may include:

1. Advice and guidance
2. Stay and play groups
3. Adopter support groups
4. Links to other services
5. Individual support for adoptive families
6. Support with letterbox contact and direct contact if appropriate
7. A full assessment of your family’s needs
8. Support to access funding through the Adoption Support Fund

Find more information here :

https://adoptlondon.org.uk/adoption-support/

Dear Parents/Carers,

RE: Parent Gym is coming to Howard Primary from 17^th Nov 2023: 12 places available

We know from talking with parents that many of you wonder what you can do to give your children the best start in life (and make your life as a parent a bit easier too).

This is why we’re delighted to offer Parent Gym, a well-established, six-week programme that shares and explores practical tips and strategies to make family life easier and help your children thrive. We listened to your feedback and we are now able to offer it online so more parents/carers can take part and meet other parents/carers, hear their stories and pick up new ideas. Everyone is welcome and it is completely free.

The sessions are themed as follows and will be led by our Parent Gym Coach, Miss Ancel:

Week 1:  Fri 17^th Nov 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

CHAT: How to communicate. Get you and your child talking and listening in a positive way every day.

Week 2: Fri 24^th Nov 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

LOVE: How to show you care, in the right ways Boosting your child’s confidence, with a balance between closeness and independence.

Week 3: Fri 1st Dec 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

BEHAVE: How to be consistent in setting boundaries. Bring calm to your family with rules and routines that really work.

Week 4: Fri 8^th Dec 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

CARE: How to raise healthy children. Keep yourself and your family healthy and happy with good sleep, eating and exercise.

Week 5: Fri 15th Dec 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

DISCOVER:  How to encourage learning. Help develop healthy learning habits with your child, including managing screen time.

Week 6: Thu 21^st Dec 10:10-12:10, ONLINE

TOGETHER: How to build a family support network. Keep your family feeling happy, supported and loved.

If you know this is for you, to book a place on the Parent Gym course, please email Mrs Pollington at: senco@howard.croydon.sch.uk

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Pollington and Miss Ancel

Wellbeing Team

Howard Primary