The social and emotional skills, knowledge and behaviours that young people learn in the classroom can help them to build resilience and set the pattern for how they will manage their mental health throughout their lives.  Emotional wellbeing is a clear indicator of academic achievement, success and satisfaction in later life.

At Crown House we take emotional health and mental wellbeing very seriously. We aim to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment in which every child feels that they are taken seriously and listened to. Every class provides a wide range of activities that promote this health and wellbeing including class circle time discussions, small group activities and team building events. Our Wellbeing Lead oversees this provision for the whole school community.

As part of our pastoral care, younger pupils are encouraged to look up to the older children, whilst the older children in turn are taught responsibility and compassion. As role models in this, our staff work hard to build relationships with each pupil in their care, whether it be in the playground, after school care or the classroom. All of our staff are regularly trained and updated on best practice and we have weekly teaching and non-teaching staff meetings, where pastoral care and student wellbeing are the first items on the agenda, and our staff are always ready and willing to listen to our pupil’s concerns. Our Headteacher plays a part in each child’s day, personally welcoming them through the school gate every morning and taking opportunities to work with the children through celebration assemblies and regular class time.

We value our strong and productive working relationship with parents, as we believe that this effective collaboration greatly benefits our pupils. Crown House operates an open door policy. Staff and parents have daily contact during drop-off and pick-up times and via email and we hold regular parent-teacher meetings. Such day-to-day partnership is key to each pupil’s success at Crown House.