This special day has been set up by mental health charity ‘Time to Change’  https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/ a growing social movement working to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems.  Statistically, 1 in 4 of us will fight a mental health problem in any given year. 

In Pre-Prep we believe that it is vital that we teach our youngest to value talking as a means of protecting and being aware of their mental health.  Mrs Reid and Mrs Herbert presented a special Assembly modelling what good and bad listening looks like and giving the children a chance to have a go with friends.  Our very own Pre-Prep, ‘Walk to Talk’  has been taking place every Monday morning since the beginning of the Autumn term and is now a regular part of our curriculum.  When you ask our Pre-Prep children what ‘Walk to Talk’ is all about they say ‘it wakes up our brains’,  ‘it makes us happy’,  ‘we learn about each other’,  ‘it helps us to calm down’,  ‘it’s nice to get fresh air’.  Year 2 had an unique take on the importance of taking exercise as it releases ‘endolphins’ which make us feel better - we're sure they meant endorphins! 

In addition to lots of healthy talking, every week Mia our ‘Read 2 Dog’ and Miss Barnes come and hear children read in Pre-Prep.  The Read 2 Dog programme has been developed to support children who are reluctant readers or may be developing anxiety about reading.  When Mia hears a reluctant child read they often become less stressed, less self-conscious and more confident as dogs are non-judgemental.  Having read with Mia a few times these children look forward to the reading experience as they are going to read to their new friend. 

We hope you’ll agree our youngest children’s mental health is in safe hands!