Pupils at the independent school took part in a wellbeing week which included yoga, laser tag and mindfulness sessions, and also contributed to three different charities through their participation in the week.
A 2021 published NHS survey found that one in six children aged 5-16 have a probable mental health problem, which is an increase from one in nine in 2017. After almost two years of lockdown and restrictions, there is a growing need for more mental health support in schools. Five teachers at Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School recently passed a Level 3
course in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace.
To start the wellbeing week, parent Mrs Carson opened up her Monday mindfulness club to all children, who got to practise breathing techniques and wellbeing exercises in a fun, childfriendly manner. Downstairs in the dining hall, parents enjoyed an insightful talk with Ali Morpeth Nutrition who answered questions on child nutrition and shared details of how Ghyll Royd’s new and improved lunch menu was hitting and, in some areas, exceeding,
government guidelines.
Ghyll Royd children also enjoyed a MiniMe Yoga session with local sports provider SportsCool Leeds North. Children in the Pre-School and Nursery classes were some of the first in the area to experience Izzy Bizzy Toddler Yoga – a new class starting in Burley-inWharfedale in March. Local holiday camp United Education also visited their Ilkley base to
deliver a laser tag activity for a Wednesday wellbeing treat, transforming the school’s sports hall into a battle arena.
Pupils had the opportunity to choose their own activities in a 2022 Challenge set by Ghyll Royd’s PTA. The aim was to raise £20.22 for the school’s new playground equipment, by challenging themselves or helping others. Siblings Samuel and Jessica sang to their neighbours, Oscar in Reception picked litter and Charlotte in Year 2 made breakfast for her
mummy.
The school had an overwhelming response for donations of clothing, food and toiletries for Homeless Not Hopeless – a Bradford charity offering practical support. Parent Soraya Smith, who volunteers for the charity, visited Ghyll Royd during wellbeing week to encourage children and parents to donate.
Ghyll Royd grandparents joined in for the final part of Children’s Mental Health Week by spending the morning in class, taking part in Music, Spanish and Gymnastics. They joined their grandchild for a bake sale, which raised over £117.00 for Place2Be – a children’s mental health charity, and organisers of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Deputy Headteacher and co-organiser of Wellbeing Week, Hadley Nicholson, said: “We had the idea to organise a wellbeing week in the run-up to Children’s Mental Health Week to provide activities that complimented the school’s successful mental health initiatives. We wanted a variety of activities to reflect the different ways we improve wellbeing: exercise, diet, social, games etc. and the week was a resounding success among staff, pupils and
parents.”
Children’s Mental Health Week is in its seventh year, organised by children’s mental health charity Place2Be who provide support in schools.
To find out more about Ghyll Royd School and its wellbeing initiatives, visit
www.ghyllroydschool.co.uk.
