"Wellbeing is a high priority and regular pupil questionnaires identify those who might need some additional support. During difficult times the school pulls together providing both practical and emotional support."

SIAMS inspection, 2024

At Codnor Primary School, we believe that positive mental health and wellbeing are essential for everyone to be able to let their light shine. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and supported. We are committed to nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of not only our pupils, but also our staff and the wider school community, recognising that wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Through a caring, inclusive culture and strong relationships, we promote resilience, self-worth and emotional literacy, ensuring that every individual feels listened to, supported and empowered to thrive both personally and academically.

We support the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils by:

• Providing a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, respected and able to express their thoughts and feelings

• Teaching emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-regulation through our curriculum and wider school ethos

• Ensuring trusted adults are available to listen, support and guide pupils when they need help

• Working closely with families and external professionals to provide timely and appropriate support

• Promoting positive relationships, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging within our school community

Wellbeing policy:

Mental health & wellbeing provision:

ELSA:

At Codnor Primary School, an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) is a specially trained teaching assistant with a wealth of experience in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Our ELSAs are trained and regularly supervised by Educational Psychologists within the Local Authority, ensuring high-quality, informed support for our pupils.

ELSA staff at Codnor are warm, caring and approachable adults who work closely with children to help them feel happy, confident and secure in school. Their role is to support pupils in developing emotional literacy, resilience and positive coping strategies, helping to remove barriers to learning and enabling every child to reach their full potential—both academically and personally. Ultimately, ELSA support helps children to feel supported at school and at home, so they are ready to let their light shine.

ELSAs can help with:

• Loss and bereavement
• Self-esteem
• Social skills
• Emotions
• Friendship issues
• Relationships
• Anger management
• Behaviour
• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Conflict
• Relaxation techniques

Drawing and talking:

Drawing and Talking is a safe and gentle therapeutic approach, which provides an effective way for both children and adults to process emotional pain or trauma they may be experiencing. People are impacted emotionally by many different events, struggles or traumas. Sometimes they are unable to make sense of how they are feeling and how those feelings are impacting on their happiness and ability to navigate the world. Too often children and adults feel afraid to admit they need help around their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Wellbeing newsletters:

Our Wellbeing Newsletters are shared regularly with our school community to support the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils, families and staff. They provide helpful guidance, signposting and practical strategies to promote positive mental health both in and out of school. Through sharing these newsletters, we aim to strengthen our partnership with families and support everyone in our community to let their light shine.