Mental Health Awareness Week 2021: Cricklade Manor Prep Children Explore the Great Outdoors

Cricklade Manor Prep marked Mental Health Awareness Week in a number of ways, focusing on the National theme of ‘Nature’ this year. The theme has an aim to inspire more people to connect with nature in new ways, noticing the impact that this connection can have for their mental health.

The School Eco Council worked collaboratively with the Nursery to plant a range of seeds in the polytunnel. The Eco Council children showed great care while supporting the Nursery children and talked them through the instructions clearly. They enjoyed working together, scattering seeds and using a trowel!

A mindfulness session took place in Year 2, they appreciated an afternoon of sketching scenes around the school. They listened to bird song, supported the school in the cricket match and even watched some rabbits. They tallied the cricket runs scored and enjoyed time relaxing outside and exploring their senses.

Year 3 ventured outside to take photographs of things that made them feel happy, including: flowers, greenery and chickens! It was a great opportunity for the children to stop and appreciate their surroundings.

Life cycles are currently a focus in Year 5. This week the children made the most of the break in the weather and went to see if they could find out what features adult amphibians would have! They were so excited to find Smooth Newts and a Common Toad hiding under the logs in the forest area.

Mr Barton, Director of Pastoral Care said:

“This week has given us the opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to have such a large outdoor space for the children to develop. The activities that have taken place across the school have given the children a chance to reflect on their surroundings. Mental health awareness is so important and we are proud to have participated in this national event.”