As we mark Children’s Mental Health Week at Rookwood, it’s an important moment to reflect on how we support the wellbeing of our pupils, both as a school and as a community. My guiding belief – kind, happy, successful – sits at the heart of everything we do. Success looks different for everyone, but the role that mental health plays in ensuring this success is, in my mind, universal.
Success in schools is sometimes viewed through the lens of academic achievement and exam results. Whilst these are important measures, true success is deeply personal and looks different for every child. For some, it’s the courage to speak in front of a class; for others, it’s forming a new friendship, overcoming a challenge, or simply feeling safe and valued in their environment. Mental health is the foundation that supports all these milestones.
Statistics from the NHS in 2022, highlighted that one in six children aged 5-16 has a probable mental health disorder, a significant increase from one in nine in 2017. This rise reminds us that mental health is not an occasional concern; it is an everyday reality for many young people. Professor Barry Carpenter, the UK’s first Professor in Mental Health in Education, notes that post-covid, we are facing a “mental health pandemic,” where children’s emotional literacy and resilience need targeted support both at home and in school.
At Rookwood, our ASPIRE values guide how we nurture mental wellbeing. Encouraging ambition helps pupils set personal goals, no matter how big or small, building confidence and self-esteem. Feeling safe, both physically and emotionally, is fundamental to mental health. As Mrs Lambourne put so eloquently in the Prep School assembly on Tuesday, we strive to create environments where pupils feel secure enough to express themselves without fear of judgment. Personal growth is supported through fostering resilience, problem-solving, and self-awareness, helping pupils navigate life’s ups and downs with strength and adaptability. As Mr Brooker mentioned in the Key Stage Four assembly this week, we encourage pupils to take responsibility for their actions and their mental health, whilst knowing support is always available.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation in 2023 showed that fostering positive mental health from an early age can lead to better academic outcomes, improved social relationships, and increased resilience in adulthood. Additionally, the World Health Organisation highlights that mental health promotion in schools reduces stigma, enhances self-awareness, and improves overall wellbeing, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.
As parents, you play a pivotal role. Simple actions like active listening, validating feelings, and creating routines can significantly impact a child’s mental health. The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families offers excellent resources to support young children in this area.
Being kind to a child, often makes for a happier child, and a happy child is, very commonly, successful.
Mr Paul Robinson
Headteacher
