Pupil wellbeing and mental health awareness is a huge part of the way children are supported throughout their time at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

Every year the school takes an active role in the Hello Yellow day that is a nationwide campaign by the Young Minds mental health charity.

The group’s tenth annual event on Friday, October 9, saw children invited to bring the autumn sunshine into school by wearing yellow clothing, in exchange for a donation which so far has raised an impressive £350 for the charity.

Teacher and personal development lead Izzy Reed hosted an assembly introducing Hello Yellow Day and exploring the importance of looking after our mental health.

Children then had the opportunity to explore and discuss positive affirmations, consider what makes them happy and learn strategies they can use to feel calm and self-regulate.

One strategy focused on the key message linked to Charlie Mackesey's acclaimed story The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse which asks ‘what do I want to be when I grow up?’ with the clear and simple answer – ‘kind’.

Head Teacher Darci Arthur is proud that mental health wellbeing is a cornerstone of learning for all age groups. Important strategies are in place to cover many different aspects and this is continually monitored and improved.

She said: “Happiness within our school community is paramount and we are proud that our pupils feel safe, cared for, listened to when they raise concerns, and supported on every step of their educational journey.

“We have a strong and structured support network for our children enabling our children to openly discuss their feelings and anxieties. They know that help and understanding is available whenever they need it in school.”

The event also formed part of Upton’s PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) linking to health and wellbeing.

*Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health. Find out more online at www.youngminds.org.uk

Upton Juniors is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.