Here, we care just as much about how children feel as what they learn. If a child isn’t feeling settled, confident or secure, learning becomes so much harder. Wellbeing isn’t an “extra” for us: it’s part of everything we do.

We’re lucky to have our own Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Mrs Butler, who is also our Family Support Worker. She works with children who might need a bit of extra support with things like managing worries, understanding emotions, building friendships or boosting confidence. Sometimes she works one-to-one; sometimes small-group sessions are a better fit. Sessions are gentle, practical and often fun (they might involve games, art, talking activities or simply a quiet space to think things through).

ELSA support isn’t about 'fixing' problems. It’s about giving children a safe, calm place to talk and helping them learn simple strategies that make everyday challenges easier to manage. Referrals usually come from teachers, the SENDCo or parents, and we always work closely with families so the support feels right for the child.

Mrs Butler also runs a daily drop-in at lunchtime. Any child can pop in if they’ve had a tricky morning, want someone to talk to or just fancy a friendly space for a while. There’s also a worry box in the library for children who prefer to write things down - and every message is followed up.

As children move up the school, something really special often happens: those who’ve benefited from ELSA support themselves start to pass on what they’ve learnt. Older pupils often take younger ones under their wing, showing empathy, modelling positive friendships and offering a listening ear. It’s a natural form of peer support that grows from their own experience, and it’s one of the things we’re most proud of. It shows just how powerful emotional literacy can be when children feel confident, valued and understood.

Wellbeing is part of who we are as a school, and we’re proud of the support we offer.