Wellbeing at Southbourne Juniors

At Southbourne Juniors, we believe wellbeing is fundamental to children’s health, happiness and success. It is embedded throughout our vision, values and everyday school life, helping children feel safe, valued and supported while developing the confidence and resilience to thrive.

Our wellbeing provision supports all pupils, whether they need additional support at a particular point in their school journey or simply benefit from opportunities to talk, connect and develop positive wellbeing habits. As every child’s needs are different, we offer a range of opportunities and levels of support to help each pupil flourish.

Wellbeing through our PSHE curriculum

Our PSHE curriculum has wellbeing at its heart. Through our taught programme, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to look after themselves, build positive relationships, manage challenges and make healthy and responsible choices. Alongside our PSHE lessons, the Five Ways to Wellbeing are woven into everyday school life. These provide children with simple, practical ways to support their own wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.

The Ambassador Aviary

The Ambassador Aviary is our pupil-led wellbeing space on the playground. Led by our team of Pupil Wellbeing Ambassadors, it provides a calm and welcoming space where pupils can access peer support, talk to a peer and spend some time away from the busyness of the playground.

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have received training to help them listen, support and signpost other pupils to an adult when further help is needed. The Aviary reflects our belief that children can play an important role in supporting one another and creating a caring school community.

The Cabin- Pastoral Support

Our Learning Mentor provides a wide range of pastoral support for pupils. This includes informal check-ins, individual support and small-group sessions focusing on specific social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) themes. Support is responsive to the needs of our pupils and may be provided when a child is experiencing a particular difficulty, going through a period of change or simply needs someone to talk to.

Articulate

Articulate is a small-group, art-based programme designed to support children’s wellbeing and develop emotional literacy. Sessions are delivered by an experienced primary school and art teacher, using creativity as a way for children to explore and express their thoughts and feelings.

Wellbeing Club

Our weekly Wellbeing Club, run by our Senior Mental Health Lead and Learning Mentor, provides a relaxed space for pupils to spend time together after school on Mondays. The club is designed to help children start each week positively, providing opportunities to connect with others, take part in enjoyable activities and develop positive wellbeing strategies.

Your Space

We are fortunate to work with a Your Space therapist, who provides more intensive support for pupils who may benefit from therapeutic play and counselling. This provision offers children a safe and confidential space to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences with a trained professional.

Mindfulness Club

Mindfulness Club, led by our Your Space therapist, is open to pupils who would like to develop strategies to support calm, focus and emotional regulation. Children are introduced to simple mindfulness techniques that they can use both in school and at home.

WOWSI

Southbourne Juniors is part of the West Sussex WOWSI (Working on Worries Support and Intervention) programme, which supports parents and carers to use evidence-based, parent-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches to help children aged 5–11 manage anxiety and worries. The programme provides families with practical strategies and builds confidence in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. 

Our Wellbeing Team

Miss Lowrey, our Senior Mental Health Lead (SMHL), works closely with Miss Franklin, our SENCO, and Miss Reeve, our Learning Mentor. Together, they oversee and develop our whole-school wellbeing provision, working alongside class teachers and other professionals where appropriate.

And, of course, no wellbeing team would be complete without our most important member...

Nugget, our school hamster, plays an important role in supporting pupils' wellbeing. Spending time with him can provide children with a calming experience and an opportunity to regulate their emotions, take a break and reconnect with an adult. For some children, Nugget also provides a particularly helpful reason to come into school when they are finding separation from home difficult. A cuddle with Nugget can sometimes be just the thing they need to help them feel settled and ready for the school day!

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe children’s wellbeing is best supported when school and home work together. Our termly PSHE & Wellbeing Newsletters share useful information, practical strategies and signposting to help families support children’s emotional wellbeing at home. 

You can find our latest PSHE & Wellbeing Newsletters below.

How can I access support for my child?

If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing or would like to discuss the support that may be available, please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance. They will be able to discuss your concerns and liaise with the appropriate member of our wellbeing team where necessary.

We want every child at Southbourne Juniors to feel that they belong, they matter and they can ask for help when they need it!