CHILDREN at Westbury Leigh Primary School have been connecting with nature by playing in its forest school farm and garden area.

Early years foundation stage pupils took part in activities to help the whole school to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week.

Headteacher Debbie Grimsey said: "We hold the health, wellbeing and personal development of the children in our care amongst our highest priorities.

"It is a priority that arises both out of the responsibility we have for our children’s development as whole and rounded individuals, and out of recognition that physical and emotional health forms the essential foundation for successful learning."

As part of the whole school drive on wellbeing, children have been learning about ways to manage their own wellbeing and how this can support resilience and build optimism.

Taz Cole, the school's PSHE lead said: "We have been reflecting across the school about what mental health is and how it made up of our thoughts, feelings, moods and behaviours."We have learnt that it is important that our bodies need good mental health, just like we need good physical health."

"In the early years foundation stage, they have been out and about exploring and connecting with nature."

Archie said: "Playing outside makes me happy, you can build things,’ and Zoe said "being outside makes me happy?"

Other classes have been looking after the school farm, helping to plant trees and gardening.

Miss Cole added: "Connecting with nature is really important in our school and something we believe brings out the best in our children."