"Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health."   (World Health Organisation)

Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Wheatcroft Community Primary School, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, valued and able to thrive. Positive mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of our school values and essential for pupils to learn well, build strong relationships and develop the confidence they need for life.

Our Approach

We take a whole-school, proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing, aligned with national best practice and the DfE’s framework for promoting positive mental health in schools. This means:

• Creating a caring culture where children feel known as individuals, where kindness is modelled, and where every child feels a sense of belonging.

• Embedding our school values—Respect, Perseverance, Courage and Integrity—through daily routines, curriculum experiences and positive relationships.

• Prioritising inclusion, ensuring that every child, including those with additional needs, has access to support, connection and meaningful success.

We teach children to talk about feelings, recognise emotions, and seek help when they need it. This forms part of our PSHE and RSE curriculum, assemblies, and everyday classroom practice.

Early Help and Support

We know that children’s needs vary, and outstanding practice means we respond early.

• Staff are trained to notice signs of worry, change or distress, and to act quickly.

• Our Pastoral Lead works closely with pupils, families and teachers to provide targeted support.

• We use evidence-informed strategies such as emotion coaching, restorative conversations and anxiety-reduction approaches recommended by national mental health organisations.

• When needed, we work in partnership with external agencies to ensure tailored support for individual pupils.

Creating a Healthy, Supportive Environment

We have designed our environment and routines to promote calm, connection and safety:

• Wellbeing check-ins and opportunities for pupils to talk.

• Quiet spaces, including The Zone, designed to help children regulate and return to learning.

• Staff who model positive behaviour, patience and empathy.

• A culture where asking for help is seen as a strength.

We want children to know that it is okay not to feel okay, and that they will be supported.

Working in Partnership with Parents

Mental health and wellbeing are strengthened when school and home work together. We provide:

• Open communication and early contact when concerns arise

• Guidance and signposting for families

• Workshops and resources to help parents support wellbeing at home

We value the trust parents place in us and work closely with families so that every child is supported consistently.

Our Commitment

At Wheatcroft CP School, pupils’ wellbeing is not an add-on—it is woven through everything we do. Our commitment is simple:

Happy, confident children learn well.
Safe, supported children flourish.
Together, we help every child grow.