Our Five Ways to Well‑Being
At our school, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, connected and valued. Well‑being is not an add‑on to learning – it is fundamental to everything we do.
Our approach is guided by the Five Ways to Well‑Being, which provide a clear and practical framework for supporting positive mental health for children and adults alike. These five ways are woven through our curriculum, daily routines, behaviour expectations and wider school life.
1. Connect: Building strong, positive relationships
We place great importance on helping children feel connected to others. Positive relationships underpin a calm, respectful and purposeful school culture.
In practice, this means:
- Adults consistently modelling kindness, respect and empathy
- Structured opportunities for pupils to talk, work and play together
- Clear routines that help children feel secure and included
- Encouraging children to listen to, support and value one another
- We believe that when children feel a sense of belonging, they are more confident, resilient and ready to learn.
2. Be Active: Supporting physical and mental health through movement
Being active supports both physical health and emotional well‑being. We actively encourage children to move, play and take part in a wide range of physical activities.
This includes:
- High‑quality PE and sport
- Active playtimes and outdoor learning opportunities
- Movement breaks within lessons where appropriate
- Promoting healthy lifestyles and positive attitudes to exercise
- Physical activity helps children to regulate emotions, manage stress and improve focus in the classroom.
3. Take Notice: Helping children understand themselves and the world around them
We support children to slow down, reflect and notice what is happening both around them and within themselves. Developing this awareness helps children manage emotions and build self‑regulation.
We do this by:
- Teaching children to recognise and name emotions
- Encouraging reflection on learning and behaviour
- Creating calm, predictable routines that reduce anxiety
- Supporting children to notice positives and celebrate success
- Taking notice helps children develop emotional literacy and a stronger sense of self.
4. Keep Learning: Developing confidence, curiosity and resilience
Learning is central to well‑being. We want children to see themselves as capable learners who enjoy challenge and persevere when things feel difficult.
Across the school, we:
- Promote a growth mindset and positive attitudes to learning
- Encourage curiosity, questioning and problem‑solving
- Celebrate effort as well as achievement
- Help children learn from mistakes in a safe and supportive way
- By keeping learning at the heart of school life, we help children build confidence, independence and pride in themselves.
5. Give: Encouraging kindness, responsibility and contribution
Helping others and contributing to the school community supports a strong sense of purpose and self‑worth.
Children are encouraged to:
- Show kindness and consideration towards others
- Take responsibility for their actions and choices
- Contribute positively to their class and wider school life
- Recognise the impact their behaviour has on others
- Giving helps children develop empathy, social responsibility and a positive sense of identity.
Well‑Being in Practice
Our Five Ways to Well‑Being are not taught in isolation. They are embedded through
- Daily classroom routines and expectations
- The way adults interact with children
- Our behaviour approach and emotional coaching
- Assemblies, curriculum content and wider opportunities
- This consistent approach ensures that children experience well‑being as part of everyday school life, not just at specific moments.
Working in Partnership
We know that children’s well‑being is strongest when school and home work together. We encourage families to talk with their children about the Five Ways to Well‑Being and support these ideas beyond the school gate.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s well‑being, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Together, we are committed to supporting every child to feel safe, happy and ready to learn.
