Wellbeing

Forest School
Our Forest School sessions are aimed at developing learners’ awareness of both themselves and their environment, at promoting positive self-esteem, encouraging the growth of both independent practical skills and confidence in working as part of an effective team, alongside supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills. Through taking part in regular sessions throughout the year, we aim to foster a lifelong connection for our learners with our natural environment in the hope that they will become the advocates of the future in creating a sustainable world.

Calm Corners and Rainbow Room
Every classroom has a dedicated ‘Calm Corner’, which is specifically designed as a quiet, calm area within the room where learners can retreat to when they are experiencing difficult emotions. This area is a nurturing space, with resources on hand to support a period of difficulty, whether it be related to anxiety, frustration, sadness or anger. In addition, our Rainbow Room, is an enhanced space away from the classrooms, where learners can take a moment of calm to resettle when feelings become too much. This room is equipped with resources to support learners during such moments of an overwhelming nature.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Support
Our ACE’s Lead is Sarah Ruggeri, who has been specifically trained to support learners who have experienced adversity in their early years, to understand the impact that such experiences can have upon a child’s brain development and the impact that such toxic stress can have upon their health, both physical and mental. Through utilising a ‘trauma informed lens’, we ensure that our safe, nurturing and stable learning environment provides our learners with positive strategies in order for them to build resilience and help mitigate the impact of ACE’s.

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Our Youth Mental Health First Aider, Sarah Ruggeri, has been specifically trained by Powys CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), to be able to provide that first instance of help for a learner who is developing a mental health problem, is experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or is in a mental health crisis. This first aid, which can help address anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, eating disorders, psychosis and substance use, is provided until the appropriate professional help is received or the crisis is resolved.

CAMHS In-Reach Team
We are supported by the Powys Schools In-Reach Team, who provide a consultation service about individual leaners about whom we have concerns relating to their emotional health and wellbeing. This consultation process leads to the development of an action plan, which provides strategic support for us as a school to support learners in an early identification / prevention approach. The Team also provide whole class discussions relating to Five Ways to Wellbeing and building up Resilience.

Honeypot Young Carers, at Honeypot, Pen-y-Bryn, Dolfor
We are privileged to work closely with the Honeypot Childrens Charity, a national young carers charity. For our learners who are young carers, we are able to make referrals to this charity who provide respite breaks for those with responsibilities beyond their years, the opportunity to make happy memories and build brighter futures. Take a look at their website for further information – Honeypot | UK Children’s Charity

Honeypot SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) Residential, at Honeypot, Pen-y-Bryn, Dolfor
Every year, our Year 5 learners are invited to take part in this residential, which is designed to focus upon the development of key life skills and increase confidence through practical activities and challenges. The aim of the programme is to support learners to develop their self-esteem, self-confidence and communication skills, alongside providing them with strategies to reduce any anxiety.