Mental Health & Wellbeing
At Okehampton Primary School, we know the importance of mental health and wellbeing and place it at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that early intervention helps children develop resilience, confidence, and positive coping skills that stay with them for life. Through our Nest Provision, Pupil Mental Health Ambassadors, and a whole‑school commitment to nurturing relationships, we ensure that children feel safe, heard, and supported. Our staff work closely with pupils to recognise their emotions, build self‑regulation skills, and create a positive environment where every child can thrive both personally and academically.
How we do this can be found in our Mental Health Strategy:
Our Mental Health Strategy
Mental Health First Aiders
At OPS, we have Miss Dart (SENDCo) and Mrs Ramoutar are qualified Mental Health First Aiders who have been trained to support staff, students and their families with all aspects of mental health and wellbeing.
The Nest
'The Nest' is our internal SEMH provision that offers a calm, nurturing space where children receive tailored support in small groups or one-to-one sessions. These pupils take part in carefully planned activities that help them develop emotional literacy, resilience, self‑regulation, and positive relationships. The Nest provides a safe environment where every child can feel understood, supported, and equipped to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
Mental Health Ambassadors
Our OPS Pupil Mental Health Ambassadors play an important role in promoting wellbeing across the school. They help to create a positive, supportive atmosphere by checking in with their peers, encouraging kindness, and championing healthy coping strategies. The ambassadors work closely with staff to raise awareness of mental health, support whole‑school initiatives, and ensure that every child knows there is someone they can talk to. Through their leadership, they help make our school a happier and more understanding place for everyone.
Our Mental Health Ambassadors are even more visible around school thanks to their smart new tabards, which were organised by Mrs Ramoutar and Mrs Hardwick, kindly donated by our PTFA and the letters were added by Amelia Perrott from St James. We want to thank them for their combined efforts have made a real difference to our school community.
Sweep the Therapy Dog
Twice a week, we have visits from Sweep, a trained therapy dog, with his lovely owner, Diane. They work with some of our children 1:1. Each week, Sweep also visits two classes, who have each added to the Proud Book to share something that they are proud of that week. Sweep and Diane also deliver assemblies.
Children's Mental Health Week 2026
Here is our work from Reception to Year 6 from Mental Health Week on display in the corridor by the dining hall alongside Mrs Ramoutar’s colourful letters! As always, we are incredibly proud of not only the artistic skills of our children but the inspirational messages on their posters, here are a few: “This is my place to be included”, “Be kind to others”, “You belong here”, “We belong here”, “Don’t worry be happy”.
Here is our display of their posters:
