Wellbeing
At our school, we believe that happy, healthy children learn best. In line with the Curriculum for Wales, our Health and Wellbeing provision helps every learner grow as a healthy, confident individual who is ready to learn and ready for life. Through engaging experiences, active play and a nurturing environment, we support pupils to understand their emotions, build positive relationships and make informed choices about their physical and mental wellbeing. Working closely with families and our wider community, we aim to equip every child with the skills and confidence they need to thrive now and in the future.
The wellbeing of every child is at the heart of what we do. We believe that pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued, and understood. Our approach combines a nurturing school culture with practical support to help children build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships.
We provide access to dedicated wellbeing staff, a variety of wellbeing programmes and strategies, and safe spaces where pupils can talk openly and receive guidance. Teachers are trained to recognise early signs of emotional or mental health concerns, ensuring timely support and communication with families. Through regular timetabled health and wellbeing sessions, mindfulness activities, and a strong emphasis on kindness and respect, we help pupils develop tools to manage feelings, cope with challenges, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Our goal is simple: to create an environment where every pupil feels supported, empowered, and ready to reach their full potential.
When parents have a concern about their child’s mental and emotional wellbeing their first port of call is to speak to the class teacher.
If you, or they, feel that more support is needed then a meeting can be arranged with Mrs Croke-West (ALNCO & Wellbeing Lead) to discuss future support and options.
When we recognise that our pupils might need some additional support for their wellbeing, the first step is an open discussion with the child, parents and key staff they work with. From this, it might be decided that we need to booster some of our universal provision to include some of the following:
- Dedicated ‘check ins’ with ELSA key adults to talk about emotions and worries.
- Small group social & emotional focus sessions using programmes such as ‘Time to talk’, ‘Flourish’ and ‘Feelings are funny’.
- Access to our ‘Noddfa’, Y Nyth’ and ‘Cwtch’ wellbeing spaces for interventions.
- Therapy dog sessions with Connie & Coco.
- Bereavement support sessions for those pupils that have experienced loss.
- Trauma informed direct work for pupils to be able to discuss their experiences, build positive relationships and nurture their self-esteem.
Where can pupils get some extra support?
Looking after my wellbeing - Children, Young People And Families
Childline | Free counselling service for kids and young people | Childline
Where can parents get advice or extra support outside of school?
Vale Family Compass. Home - Vale Family Compass
Call the Vale Family Compass on 0808 281 6727 (option 3), or email familycompass@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
Vale Family Compass provide a range of information, advice, support and protection for children, young people and their parents and carers and families in the Vale of Glamorgan. They have brought together the Family Information Service, Families First Advice Line, and the Intake Team. We aim to provide you with the right information and support at the right time from your first point of contact.
We recognise that supporting a child who is experiencing mental and emotional wellbeing challenges can be very tricky at times. The links below offer some advice and guidance. There are many organisations and avenues of support that can be accessed to help:
Vale of Glam Family Intervention Service | Action For Children
Early Help Advice Line (formerly known as Families First Advice Line)
Parents and Carers - Children, Young People And Families
Family Wellbeing Service Cardiff | Barnardo's
Organisations who can help - BBC Children in Need
Top tips for parents of 4 to 7 year olds | GOV.WALES
Children 8 to 12 years | GOV.WALES