Pupils at St Ives School in Haslemere celebrated Children’s Mental Health Week with a number of initiatives both on and off curriculum around this year’s theme of Let’s Connect, in association with Place 2 Be and BAFTA Kids.

The week began with the children being allowed to ‘Dress to Express’, wearing whatever clothes they liked to express their unique personalities. There was a huge array of outfits on display.

This was followed by a whole-school assembly led by St Ives’ well-being champion Cheryl Cooper, who encouraged the children to think about how they all connect with the people around them and the communities they are part of.

She challenged the children to explore the different ways they can connect with different people throughout the week and to share their ideas in assembly on Friday.

Children’s Mental Health Week ended with an awards party to celebrate the school’s recent Small Independent School of the Year Award win. The children enjoyed an afternoon of traditional party games and much-deserved ‘awards’ cupcakes.

Head Kay Goldsworthy said: “Children’s Mental Health Week is a fantastic initiative and one we always support. However, we are fully aware that looking after our children’s mental health is something we have to do every day, not just during Children’s Mental Health Week.”