Wynyard Church of England Primary School, a primary school in Middlesbrough, started using Mind Moose within their Year  6 class 3 months ago after a difficult time for the class. Steph, the mental health and wellbeing lead, has been using the activities with the children to help them express their emotions, which often they find difficult. “Mind Moose has helped our pupils as some of our children are reluctant to talk about their feelings/thoughts, but are keen to write them down,” she said. “This helps them to express their emotions more without verbally saying anything.” This has been hugely important in helping Steph discuss challenging issues with the students, following a distressing period for many pupils.

From feedback from Wynyard Primary School amongst other schools, it has become clear that Mind Moose assists in discovering which children may need extra support that may not have been picked up on previously. It may not always be obvious when a child is experiencing difficulties with their mental health and wellbeing, whether it be pressures from home or problems in the playground, and without opening a discussion about how they are feeling, they may continue to suffer unnoticed.

With the help of Mind Moose, staff can begin that discussion with children without seeming intrusive, and children can open up about their worries without having to initiate the conversation themselves. “Mind Moose has helped our pupils as some of our children are reluctant to talk about their feelings/thoughts, but are keen to write them down. This helps them to express their emotions more without verbally saying anything,” Steph said, “Mind Moose helps me as teacher as it gives me a greater understanding of where the child is at and if I need to support the child in any way.”

Not only that, but the children thoroughly enjoy completing each module and are always looking forward to the next session. “The children have all responded well to Mind Moose, they all love it and always keep asking me when they can complete another unit,” Steph said. Wynyard are looking at using Mind Moose across the school, Steph said, “I can honestly say that I am really enjoying working with the children using Mind Moose and the response from the children has been brilliant!!”