Wellbeing

At Branwood Preparatory school it is our vision that all children develop to their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and into healthy well rounded individuals. We aim to enable each child to grow in confidence and be able to fully participate in everything that goes on in the wider community with confidence.  It is widely recognised that a child’s emotional health and wellbeing influences their cognitive development and learning, as well as their physical and social health and their mental wellbeing in adulthood. The department for Education recognises that, in order to help their pupils succeed: schools have a role to play in supporting them to be resilient and mentally healthy.

We have a supportive and caring ethos and our approach is respectful and kind, where each individual and contribution is valued.

At our school we know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us vulnerable and at times, anyone may need additional emotional support. We take the view that positive mental health is everybody’s business and that we all have a role to play. At our school we aim to:

• help children to understand their emotions and feelings better
• help children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries
• help children socially to form and maintain relationships.
• promote self esteem and ensure children know that they count.
• encourage children to be confident and ‘dare to be different’
• help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage setbacks.

We promote a mentally healthy environment through:

• Promoting our school values and encouraging a sense of belonging.
• Promoting pupil voice and opportunities to participate in decision-making
• Celebrating academic and non-academic achievements
• Providing opportunities to develop a sense of worth through taking responsibility for themselves and others
• Providing opportunities to reflect.
• Access to appropriate support that meets their needs

 We pursue our aims through:

• Universal, whole school approaches
• Support for pupils going through recent difficulties including bereavement.
• Specialised, targeted approaches aimed at pupils with more complex or long term difficulties such as attachment disorder.

We also provide a broad and balanced curriculum and support the wellbeing of the children through support of Mental Health Awareness week, Forest School activities and other well-being initiatives.