Seven Ways to Improve Wellbeing

Rachel Jones, Headteacher and Safeguarding Lead at Kingsley St John Primary School, Cheshire

In response to the escalating mental health challenges facing primary school students post-pandemic, Rachel Jones, an experienced educator with a passion for student welfare, initiated a proactive approach at Kingsley St John Primary School. Understanding the urgency of early intervention, Rachel implemented seven key steps aimed at enhancing pupil wellbeing and fostering resilience within the school community.

1. Early Intervention: Acknowledging the pressing need for timely support, the school instituted pupil wellbeing meetings to identify and address low-level anxieties, facilitating a smooth transition from home to school.
2. Personalised Wellbeing Support: Embracing the uniqueness of each pupil’s journey, the school adopted a personalised approach to wellbeing support, offering tailored interventions such as 1-2-1 sessions, small roles of responsibility, and emotional support upon entry.
3. Data-Informed Wellbeing Practices: Prioritising data-informed decision-making, Kingsley St John utilises comprehensive pupil wellbeing data to tailor interventions, allocate resources effectively, and measure impact over time.
4. Embracing Technology: Leveraging innovative technology, including mindfulness and emotional regulation apps, like Lumii.me the school has created calmer classrooms and improved behaviour, significantly enhancing pupil outcomes.
5. Empowering Pupils: By fostering open dialogue, providing coping strategies, and enabling early intervention, the school empowers pupils to manage their emotions, destigmatising mental health and promoting self-regulation strategies.
6. Support:  Support pupils with the tools for self-coping strategies so that they can develop skills for lifelong resilience and Wellbeing.
7. Track and Monitor: Utilising technology to track and monitor pupil mental wellbeing, the school can promptly identify red flags and provide timely intervention, ultimately creating a supportive learning environment without increasing teacher workload.

Rachel Jones’s leadership and commitment to pupil welfare underscore Kingsley St John Primary School’s dedication to professional development and best practices, ensuring the holistic development of its students.