Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Woodlea Primary School, we place mental health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, supported and valued, and we are committed to developing confident, resilient learners who are equipped to thrive both in school and beyond.  We promote positive mental health through a whole-school culture built on the core values of kindness, resilience, courage, determination and teamwork. Children are taught to understand their emotions, build positive relationships and develop strategies to manage challenges and change effectively.

Wellbeing is woven through daily school life, including:

• High-quality PSHE lessons
• A strong focus on relationships and emotional literacy
• Supportive classroom environments
• Positive behaviour approaches that build self-esteem and confidence

My Happy Mind Programme
We are proud to deliver the My Happy Mind programme across the school. This evidence-based programme helps children understand how their brain works and gives them simple, practical strategies to support their mental health.  Through My Happy Mind, children learn to:

• Recognise and manage their emotions

• Develop a positive mindset

• Build resilience and self-belief

• Form strong, healthy relationships

This consistent approach ensures that all pupils develop a shared language around mental health and wellbeing.

ELSA Support
We have a trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) who works with children individually or in small groups to support their emotional development in our Rainforest Retreat room.

ELSA sessions may focus on:

• Managing feelings such as anxiety or anger

• Building confidence and self-esteem

• Developing friendships and social skills

• Coping with change, loss or difficult experiences

This targeted support ensures that children receive the help they need in a safe and nurturing environment.

Sensory Room
Our Sunset Sanctuary sensory room provides a calm, safe space where children can regulate their emotions and sensory needs. The room is available to all pupils and is used to:

• Support emotional regulation

• Provide a quiet space for reflection or de-escalation

• Help children with sensory processing needs

• Promote calmness and wellbeing

This provision plays an important role in supporting children to be ready to learn.

Learning in Our Woodland Environment
We are incredibly fortunate to have access to an extensive woodland setting, which is a key part of our wellbeing offer.  Outdoor learning in our woodland area allows children to:

• Experience the calming benefits of nature

• Develop resilience, independence and confidence

• Engage in physical activity and exploration

• Build teamwork and social skills

Spending time outdoors supports both mental and physical wellbeing, helping children feel relaxed, happy and engaged.

We work closely with parents and carers to support children’s wellbeing and are always happy to offer guidance or signpost additional support where needed.