As a school we prioritise mental health and well-being for both staff and pupils to promote a positive and productive learning environment. The wellbeing of our children is paramount in ensuring they feel happy and safe in School.

To support us with this we have created a well-resourced Nurture Room which is run by our full time Nurture Lead. This dedicated space provides a calm and safe environment for all our children allowing them to engage with their emotions and learn strategies to promote positive mental health. Identified children in school may have access to this facility either through 1:1 interventions or small group sessions, depending on their need.

We believe that nurturing our children is essential to their growth and success. Our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment ensures that every child feels valued, understood and empowered to reach their full potential.

 
Below are some of the interventions we offer to improve our children’s mental health and wellbeing in school, promoting a more stable baseline for learning and growth.

• Mindfulness – children learn strategies to help navigate their emotions, improve focus and build resilience
• Social Stories – supporting children to understand social situations, teaching essential social skills and emotional understanding
• Nurture groups – which allow children to share their feelings with others with similar needs
• ELSA –  a more focused intervention, individual and small group sessions tailored to the child’s needs.
• Pets for therapy –  Reggie, the therapy dog, visits fortnightly
• Zones of Regulation - the Zones of Regulation provides an easy way to think and talk about how we feel on the inside
• Anger management
• Loss and bereavement support
• Lego therapy – a therapeutic approach involving structured play sessions,  encouraging interaction, problem-solving and communication
• Wellbeing check ins 

We deliver a bespoke PSHE curriculum which is adapted to encompass the needs of the children in our school. Our broader curriculum also addresses significant themes including how to be safe at school, home and in the local community, as well as e-safety, anti-bullying and mindfulness.  We do this through themed assemblies, PSHE lessons, computing lessons, class circle time, themed events such as Anti-Bullying Week and workshops with outside agencies.

The mental health and wellbeing of both children and staff are interconnected and of great importance to us at Oakridge.