PLACE2BE

We are working closely with the PLACE2BE team to support individuals and families who have found the transition back to school more challenging. We understand the great endurance it has required from you, and your children to get through the last lockdown and face this transition back to school.

What is Place2Be?

Place2Be is a national charity, working in schools to improve the mental health, confidence and emotional wellbeing of children. We have provided mental health service in schools for over 25 years, and in 2018/19 Place2Be worked with 639 schools across the country, supporting a school population of over 350,000 children and young people.

We help children to develop resilience, by supporting them when they are experiencing challenging life issues and by helping them to develop self-confidence. We aim to intervene early, to prevent longer term difficulties and provide them with coping skills. Being supported this way, they are able to learn more easily.

Our approach

We provide support early to spot mental health problems before they develop and help children cope with challenges throughout their lives.

We use an effective therapeutic approach which is backed by research and combines several ways of working.

We offer a range of services, including advice and support for families and school staff, to build resilience and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing across the whole school community.

How we help children

Pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk. These short lunchtime sessions are open to individuals and to groups.

Place2Be also works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular time-tabled support for those who will benefit most. The school will often refer children for this service.

How we help families

We routinely meet with parents to discuss any concerns they may have about their children. In addition, some parents receive one-to-one support from our dedicated parent counsellor.

How we help schools

Place2Be supports teachers and school staff members to think through the emotional needs of the children and advises and supports the school leadership team, which helps the whole school to thrive.

How Place2Be works

There is a Place2Be room on the school premises, where children attending one-to-one sessions can go to express and think about their worries - through talking, creative work and play. Trained adults support this process, helping children to find new ways of coping with difficulties, so they don’t get in the way of friendships or learning. This in turn makes school a happier place to be for the children and our school staff.

Times when we’re especially useful

There are times when children feel particularly sad, confused, fearful or angry. This could be due to challenges at school or at home - such as separation or illness, social difficulties, or the death of a much-loved pet. Some children may become withdrawn; others may become demanding or challenging in their behaviour – that is when having Place2Be in school is especially helpful.

Who is eligible for Place2Be?

Any child requiring emotional support can be referred, for any reason.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the services that Place2Be can provide at Honeywell:

Please talk to one of the schools’ Inclusion Managers, or contact the Place2Be School Project Manager. At Honeywell Infant and Junior Schools, our School Project Manager is Milli van Wilgenburg. You can contact her here

To find out more about Place2Be, please visit our website: www.place2be.org.uk

"Place2Be helps you feel less angry, make friends, get more confident, sort out your problems, make you feel special, make everything better" – Year 5 pupil

“She has definitely changed…in the way she feels about her school life, her home life, and just the way she is in herself – she is a lot happier” – Parent