Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 – This is My Place

As we reach the end of this half term, we have also been marking Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 (9–15 February), led nationally by Place2Be. This year’s theme, “This is My Place,” has focused on belonging — feeling safe, valued and accepted within our families, friendships, schools and communities.

Belonging is fundamental to positive mental health. When children feel secure and understood, they are more confident learners, more resilient when faced with challenges and better able to build healthy relationships. Throughout the week, pupils have taken part in thoughtful activities and discussions exploring what makes them feel that they belong and how they can help others feel included.

Today, we also held our Zones of Regulation Day, which is an important part of our ongoing work to develop emotional literacy across the school. Through the Zones of Regulation approach, children learn to recognise and name their emotions, understand that all feelings are valid, and develop practical tools to help regulate themselves.

This shared language supports children in becoming more aware of how they are feeling in the moment and empowers them with strategies to manage those emotions effectively. These are not just skills for today but they are lifelong tools that will support them as they continue on their learning journey, both academically and personally.

It has been wonderful to see the maturity, honesty and engagement shown by the children this week. As a school, we remain committed to ensuring that every child feels that they belong and that they have the understanding and strategies needed to support their own well being.

As we now break for half term, I would like to thank our pupils, staff and families for their hard work and dedication over the past weeks. It has been a full and productive half term, and everyone has earned a well-deserved rest.

I wish you all a peaceful, restorative and happy half term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next stage of learning.

Mrs Derbyshire