Brundall Primary pupils bloom through Sunflower Challenge
Children at Brundall Primary School have been focusing on their wellbeing as part of a summer mental health challenge.
Youngsters are taking part in a Sunflower Challenge organised by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Recovery College.
Reception teacher Kim Chambers has co-ordinated the challenge, which has involved pupils from her class up to Year 6, staff and families planting sunflower seeds and making a pledge for their wellbeing.
“We introduced it during the school’s Healthy Body, Healthy Mind week as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in May,” said Kim. “Each student planted their sunflowers, made their pledge and then took their sunflowers home to share the wider message of wellbeing with their families. We also planted some in our school allotment.”
Staff at the school recognise the benefit that being in nature brings. Kim said: “The children love to learn outside. We have a school allotment and wildlife area within our grounds, which is a fabulous way for children to learn about what is all around them outside.
“But more than that, it can be an imaginative way to incorporate all key stages of learning, from English and maths to science.”
The school created pledge sheets where the youngsters were encouraged to use their own words to write how they were going to look after their wellbeing.
“We talked about what making a pledge meant and asked the children to think about the things they can do more of which makes them happy,” said Kim. “The children in reception are all aged four and five so it was important to talk about health in a way they could understand and I really loved some of their pledges.”
Ash Moorcroft, Recovery College and Health Equity Manager at NSFT, said: “The Sunflower Challenge has brought real positivity to Brundall Primary and it's great to see so many smiles. These moments outdoors help to build confidence, connection and better wellbeing for those taking part. The positive things we do each day help to improve our mental health”.