At Wolfson Hillel Primary School, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing and social development of every child. We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, valued, supported and connected within our school community.
We provide a range of wellbeing and enrichment opportunities to help children develop confidence, resilience, positive relationships and healthy lifestyles.
Our PAWS to Read programme gives children the opportunity to read alongside a trained therapy dog in a calm and supportive environment. Reading to a therapy dog can help build confidence, reduce anxiety, improve reading fluency and encourage children to enjoy reading in a relaxed setting.
We offer lunchtime clubs and wellbeing activities designed to support children socially and emotionally, while also providing opportunities for enrichment and connection with peers. These clubs help children develop friendships, teamwork, confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Children in younger year groups are supported by our Year 6 Peer Mentors, who help promote positive friendships and provide support during playtimes and lunchtimes. Peer mentors are available to help children resolve small friendship worries, encourage inclusion and ensure all children feel happy and supported in school.
Our Peer Mentors receive training for their role and take their responsibilities seriously. Alongside our Class Councillors and Sports Captains, they are positive role models within the school community and help promote kindness, respect, leadership and inclusion across the school.
We work closely with external professionals, including art and play therapists, who support children with their emotional wellbeing and social development. These therapeutic approaches provide children with safe and nurturing opportunities to express emotions, build confidence, develop coping strategies and strengthen communication and social skills.
We recognise that some children may benefit from quieter, more supportive environments throughout the school day. Our sensory room provides children with a calm and regulated space to support sensory needs, emotional regulation and wellbeing.
We also have our Rainbow Room, a nurturing and relaxed setting where children can access emotional support, reflection time and opportunities to regulate in a safe and supportive environment. These spaces help children feel calm, secure and ready to return to learning successfully.
We have members of staff who are trained in Mental Health First Aid and who work closely with children to support their emotional wellbeing. Staff are committed to creating a nurturing environment where children feel listened to, respected and supported.
Our pastoral team works closely with children, families and staff to ensure that every child feels safe, supported and listened to. We recognise the importance of early support and work proactively to help children overcome social or emotional challenges that may impact their wellbeing or learning.
Through assemblies, PSHE lessons, circle time, and whole-school initiatives, we promote kindness, respect, inclusion and positive friendships. Children are encouraged to celebrate differences, show empathy and develop the confidence to speak to a trusted adult if they have worries or concerns.
We understand that transitions can sometimes feel challenging for children. We provide support during key transition periods, including moving between year groups and preparing for secondary school, helping children feel confident and secure.
Through our PSHE curriculum, children are taught about emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, resilience, online safety and making positive lifestyle choices. We encourage children to develop the skills and confidence needed to manage emotions, build healthy friendships and look after both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Children are encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences through pupil leadership opportunities such as Class Councillors, Peer Mentors and Sports Captains. We value pupil voice and believe children should play an active role in shaping our positive school community.
At Wolfson Hillel Primary School, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, helping every child to feel happy, confident and ready to learn.
