The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge negative impact on children's mental health.

Research recently published by The Lancet revealed that more than a quarter of children (aged 5–16 years) reported disrupted sleep and one in ten often or always felt lonely due to lockdowns and being unable to attend school.

Last week, the UK marked Children's Mental Health Week with virtual and socially distanced events taking place.

Headteacher at St Julian's School, Wellow, Ruth Noall said:

"Looking after our children's mental health is vital.

During Children's Mental Health Week our children have been 'expressing themselves' and learning more about how to stay mentally well - particularly important during this pandemic and lockdown.

Whether at home or at school, many of our school children took part."

School children, with the help of their parents at home, had a go at cake baking, making dens in the garden, painting and dressing up.

The seven-day long awareness week is coordinated by Place 2 Be which creates lesson and workshop plans on how to support children's mental health. For full details visit www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk

For more details visit the St Julian's Church School website www.stjuliansprimary.co.uk or call 01225 833143.