Oriel Academy holds ‘Inside Out’ day to highlight importance of emotions to mark Children’s Mental Health Week

From wearing blazers inside out to holding a special online assembly to kickstart a
day of wellbeing activities, pupils at one local primary have been reminded how
important their emotions are. 

Children at Oriel Academy West London in Hanworth devoted the last day of school before the half term holiday to a range of tasks to mark Children’s Mental Health Week which came to an end on Sunday (February 13th). 

The day complemented the work staff do throughout the academic year at Oriel to
ensure pupils at the school are happy and healthy.

A wellbeing day is held each term to allow staff to focus on ensuring children at the school are content and engaged with their learning. 
The Hounslow Road school prides itself on providing a nurturing and supportive
environment for its students. This was noted during a recent Ofsted inspection of the school which saw it retain its ‘Good’ rating. 

The inspector’s report, which was released last month, stated: ‘’This is a happy and welcoming school. Pupils enjoy their learning and try their best. They feel motivated by the encouragement they get from staff. Children get off to a good start in the early years. They do well in the nurturing and stimulating environment. Pupils said that bullying does not happen here. They know that staff will sort out any friendship issues or unkind behaviour.’’

Oriel currently has places available in Reception and Nursery for September 2022
start. To find out more on how to apply, email: office@oriel-aspirations.org or call:
0208 894 9395.

Oriel Academy students with their blazers on inside out

According to the latest NHS data, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a prevalence of mental health conditions in young people, aged between 5 and 16, hitting an all-time high.
Oriel’s Wellness Lead, Chloe Butcher explained why wearing blazers inside out is an important symbolic gesture. She told the Hounslow Herald: ‘’It’s to remind the students that what’s on the inside and their emotions are just as important as what’s on the outside. It also demonstrates that how someone looks on the outside isn’t always how they’re feeling on the inside.’’

Oriel Academy students with their blazers on inside out

The charity Place2Be launched its first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015
to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.
Now in its eighth year, this year’s theme is Growing Together. 
The whole-school activities taking place at Oriel today tie in with the growth mindset ethos that runs throughout the school. 
Ms Butcher said: ‘’It’s important to recognise the need for positive mental health
because it means children will be happy in school and able to do their best learning.
‘’The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is Growing Together and I
think particularly this year, because of the upheaval caused by the pandemic, it is
about growing emotionally and recognising, yes, we face challenges but we can help each other to grow. The growing together theme is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help each other grow. Challenges can help us grow and trying new things can help us reach our potential – it’s all about using your growth mindset!’’
Place2Be’s Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, marked
this year’s event by reading The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark for CBeebies
Bedtime Story. 
The Duchess has marked Children’s Mental Health Week for several years in line
with her work in early years development.