Children at Hayeswood First School have been wearing scarves, not essentially to keep themselves warm, but as part of ‘wear your scarf to school’ day’ to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

Safety, caring, achievement, resilience, friendship’ – or SCARF – are important themes in the school’s wellbeing and personal, social health and economic (PSHE) curriculum.

The lessons focus on what children can do to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy.

Andrew Turrall, executive headteacher, said: “On the day, children were invited to wear a favourite scarf in school.

“They took part in special activities to help them remember and celebrate SCARF’s important values.

“We also used the day to raise funds for Dorset Mind, a local charity that educates, challenges mental health stigma and inequality, and promotes recovery by empowering individuals to develop resilience.

“It is important that children’s mental health is considered alongside their physical health, and by educating them in their formative years it will help them through life.

Liz West, CEO of Wimborne Academy Trust, said: “Mental Health is as important as physical health.

“Our schools are very much focused on raising awareness and taking practical steps to help all our pupils.”