What support will there be for my child's overall wellbeing?

“Your child is at the centre of everything we do!”

At St Paul’s, we believe that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, valued and included. We are a caring and inclusive school where every child is celebrated as an individual.

We recognise that emotional wellbeing, positive relationships, confidence and self-esteem are essential to children's development and success.

How do we support children's emotional wellbeing?

• A caring and supportive environment: Staff take time to get to know children and understand their individual strengths, needs and interests. Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they feel worried, upset or need help.

• Mental health and wellbeing leadership: Our school's Mental Health Lead, Miss Le Gassicke (Assistant Headteacher), supports our whole-school approach to promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• Positive behaviour and emotional regulation: Staff use consistent, supportive approaches to help children understand and manage their emotions and behaviour. These include a Positive Regard approach and restorative practices, which focus on positive relationships, understanding behaviour and resolving difficulties.

• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education: Regular PSHE lessons and assemblies help children develop emotional awareness, healthy relationships, resilience and an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

• Pupil voice: We actively listen to children's views and encourage them to share their feelings, experiences and ideas. Children with SEND are supported to communicate their views in ways that are appropriate to their needs.

• Friendships and social development: Where appropriate, children may receive additional support through friendship groups, social skills activities or structured opportunities to develop positive relationships.

• Individual emotional wellbeing support: Some children may benefit from targeted approaches such as Drawing and Talking or additional pastoral support.

• Medical and personal care needs: Individual Healthcare Plans are put in place where appropriate, and relevant staff, including lunchtime staff, are informed of the support children require.

How do we help children feel included and valued?

We encourage all children, including those with SEND, to participate fully in school life and develop their confidence and independence.

Children have opportunities to contribute to school decisions and take on responsibilities. These may include roles such as House Captains, Parliament Members, Playground Squad members and Sports Ambassadors.

We recognise that some children may need additional encouragement, adaptations or support to access these opportunities.

What additional wellbeing support is available?

Where children require further emotional or social support, the class teacher and SENCO work with parents and carers to identify appropriate provision.

Depending on individual needs and availability, this may include:

• Individual or small-group pastoral support.

• Drawing and Talking sessions.

• Social skills and friendship groups.

• Support or advice from Dacorum Education Support Centre (DESC).

• Access to counselling or other support through the Kings Langley Partnership.

• Advice or referrals to appropriate external health and wellbeing services.

The Headteacher and SENCO work together to prioritise and coordinate additional support according to children's individual needs.

How do we work with parents and carers?

We recognise that parents and carers know their children best. We work closely with families to understand children's emotional and social needs and develop consistent approaches between home and school.

Where appropriate, we may signpost families to parenting courses, local support organisations and services available through Hertfordshire's SEND Local Offer.

If you have concerns about your child's emotional wellbeing, friendships or behaviour, please speak to their class teacher or the SENCO.

Our aim is for every child at St Paul’s to feel safe, happy, understood and included, enabling them to develop confidence, positive relationships and the skills they need to thrive.