New programme will address mental health issues for eight to 11-year-olds
07/01/2026
41 percent of primary-aged children in Cherwell experience mental health or wellbeing challenges
The rising need for mental health support for eight to 11-year-olds will be addressed by a twelve-month trial which is due to start in April.
The programme was agreed at a meeting of Cherwell District Council’s executive last night. Funding of £55,000 will be provided by Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team. The programme will delivered by Cherwell’s wellbeing team at 15 local schools.
The council commissioned research from Oxfordshire Mind which found 41 percent of primary-aged children in the district experience mental health or wellbeing challenges. Year 4 and 5 pupils were most likely to have a mental health need, with stress cited as the most frequent challenge.
Councillor Rob Pattenden, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “It is concerning to see that there is a rise in the number of pupils needing mental health support, but at Cherwell we’re taking a targeted, evidence-based approach to addressing it. Whether they’re thriving or struggling, we want to make sure that primary-aged pupils have access to the right support, embedded in their school’s offer.
“This new programme will help children identify and express their feelings, build resilience, and encourage them to seek help when they need it. By improving young people’s emotional literacy and support networks, we want to open the door to them enjoying school more and remove those obstacles to academic attainment.”
The new pilot scheme will be centred on tailored emotional health and wellbeing support, combining physical activities with proven psychological strategies.
It will include whole-class emotional literacy sessions and one-to-one support for children who need extra help.
The programme will also provide targeted training for school staff on supporting pupils with mental health needs.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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