"I really like going to Place2Be. It helps me sort out stuff like my friends when we keep falling out and when I get worried or angry.  Sometimes I feel sad, but after  going to Place2Be I have a smile on my face.  It's cool." - A Year 6 pupil.

"I'm so pleased he went to Place2Be.  He seems much happier in himself and he gets on so much better now with his brothers and sisters.  And me.  I wasn't too sure  at first, but it has worked out really well." - The parent of a Year 5 pupil.

Place2Be

At Burford, we prioritise supporting children's mental health and have ensured that we teach children strategies to look after their positive mental health as part of our core curriculum offer. However, some children may also benefit from talking 1-to-1 with a School Project Manager. Our school has purchased the Place2Be service so that children can access this should they need it. Our Head Teacher is also a Mental Health Champion. We believe that children cannot learn if they have not first addressed issues that trouble them. 

What difference does Place2Be make at Burford?

Place2Be is a national charity working in over 235 UK schools to improve the confidence and emotional wellbeing of children.  Counsellors help children to develop resilience by supporting them when they are experiencing challenging life issues and helping them to develop self-confidence and lifelong coping skills.  When they are supported in this way, they are able to learn more easily.

How Place2Be help children

• All pupils can find help with friendship issues and other worries by choosing to visit Place2Talk.  These short break time sessions are open to individuals and to groups who self-refer. 
• Place2Be also works with children one-to-one and in small groups, offering regular timetabled support for those who will benefit most.  The school will often refer children for this service.

We always obtain written consent from parents or carers before working with children.

How we help families - including supporting adults

We routinely meet with parents and carers to discuss any concerns that they may have about their children.  A number of Place2Be schools, including Burford Primary and Nursery school, also have a Place for Parents, offering adults counselling support for any issues they may have.

Times when we're especially useful

There are times when children feel particularly sad, confused, fearful or angry due to, for example, family changes such as separation or illness, or even the death of a much-loved pet.  Some children become withdrawn, others may become challenging or demanding in their behaviour.  That's when Place2Be in schools is particularly helpful. 

How we help staff

Place2Be also supports teachers and staff members to think through the emotional needs of children, and advises and supports the school leadership which helps the whole school to thrive.

How Place2Be works

There is a special Place2Be room inside the school where children can go to express and think about their worries, through talking, creative work and play.  Adults that are qualified to work therapeutically, called School Project Managers, support this process, helping to find new ways of coping with difficulties so they don't get in the way of friendships or learning.

Further information:

Who is eligible for Place2Be?

Any child requiring emotional support for any reason. 

Any questions?

You are welcome to talk to your Place2Be manager, either face-to-face, or via telephone or email. 

Gill Taylor works on Mondays and Tuesdays.  

You can contact her:

• By email: gill.taylor@place2be.org.uk
• By Telephone: 0115 9670347

If you have any general questions about mental Health, Mr Farrington is our mental health lead at school and would be happy to help. He successfully completed the government's Senior Mental Health training program in 2022.