Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Cuddington Primary School, we believe that children thrive when they feel safe, valued and understood. Mental health and wellbeing sit at the heart of our school. We take a holistic, inclusive approach so that every child feels supported, confident and able to learn.

Our aim is simple: to create a nurturing environment where children can talk about their feelings, develop resilience and know that there is always someone ready to listen.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

Children at Cuddington know that there are safe and trusted adults they can talk to at any time. We have clear, child-friendly processes to help pupils share worries or concerns, whether that is with their class teacher, a teaching assistant, a member of the pastoral team or a senior leader.

We provide:

• A dedicated ELSA room and safe spaces for reflection and support

• Calm dens and quiet areas where needed

• Sensory play and regulation resources for children who benefit from this

• Staff trained in the Zones of Regulation so children can recognise emotions and use strategies to manage them

• Restorative approaches to behaviour, focused on relationships and repairing harm

• A strong anti-bullying culture rooted in respect

Our behaviour policy is based on relationships and restorative practice. We help children understand the impact of their actions, rebuild relationships and move forward positively.

Our Wellbeing Team

We are proud to have a strong team dedicated to supporting pupils and families.

Mrs Sarah Potter – Senior Mental Health Lead
Mrs Potter is our Deputy Headteacher and a fully trained and certified Senior Mental Health Lead. She oversees personal development, PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education. Wellbeing is interwoven through these areas, ensuring children learn about healthy bodies, healthy minds, safety and respectful relationships as part of everyday school life.

Mrs VickI Marsden – ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
Mrs Marsden delivers one-to-one and small group ELSA sessions for children who need additional emotional support. Referrals are made by teachers and discussed with parents. She also provides in-the-moment pastoral support during the school day when children need it most.

Mrs Margi Ireland – Family Support Worker
Mrs Ireland works closely with pupils, parents and staff using a collaborative, inclusive and pastoral-focused approach. She supports families with:

• Executive function needs

• Attendance concerns, including emotionally based non-school attendance

• Behavioural or pastoral needs

• Parenting courses and family guidance

• Multi-agency work where additional support is required

She leads and contributes to Team Around the Family meetings and works closely with outside agencies to ensure families receive the right support at the right time.

Mrs Jennifer Ducker – SENDCo
Our SENDCo coordinates personalised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring emotional and learning needs are met through carefully tailored provision.

We are also supported by local Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) and work closely with the Early Help team at the local authority when specialist intervention is required.

Teaching Wellbeing Through the Curriculum

Wellbeing is not an add-on at Cuddington. It is woven throughout our curriculum.

• Our CORAM PSHE scheme teaches children about emotional health, relationships, safety and self-regulation.

• We participate fully in Children’s Mental Health Week and promote mindfulness strategies with both pupils and families.

• E-safety and consent are explicitly taught, supported by assemblies and visitors including the NSPCC and our local PCSO.

• We mark Safer Internet Day and ensure robust filtering systems protect children in school.

• Assemblies promote British values, respect, inclusion and positive citizenship.

We use the Leuvens Scale to help us monitor and assess wellbeing and engagement, ensuring we can identify concerns early and respond appropriately.

Pupil Voice and Belonging

We know that children feel better when they feel heard.

Our pupil leadership groups include:

• School Council

• Head Pupils

• Eco Council

• Junior Safety Officers

• Play Leaders

Through these roles, children actively shape school life and develop confidence, responsibility and belonging.

We also provide:

• Buddy systems for new starters

• Transition support into high school

• Forest School learning and regular outdoor activity

• Inclusive trips and enrichment opportunities

Physical activity, outdoor learning and creative experiences all contribute to strong mental health.

Safeguarding and Wider Support

Safeguarding underpins everything we do. We have clear policies, procedures and robust systems to protect children. When needed, we:

• Conduct home welfare visits

• Support families experiencing barriers to attendance

• Work closely with Young Carers services

• Provide access to Early Help and specialist agencies

• Support families with food bank links and holiday food vouchers where appropriate

We also work with external specialists, including behaviour training through behaviour expert Mark Finnis and regulation strategies through Koala North West, ensuring staff remain well trained and responsive to need.

Working in Partnership with Parents

Strong mental health support works best when school and home work together. If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the school office to arrange a conversation. Early discussion allows us to put the right support in place quickly.

At Cuddington Primary School, we are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn. Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility and together, we create a school community where children can flourish.