Wellbeing

If children are to learn, we need to ensure they feel emotionally strong and supported. We have incorporated a range of strategies into our days to support all our children, to foster a sense of responsibility towards living well and making good choices and to ensure we can offer further support for when children need that little bit more!

A morning welcome!

As children arrive at school, they are welcomed through the gates and door by a member of the leadership team. Mrs Berryman stands on the gate which welcomes children in from Reception to Year 4, and Mrs Smallshaw or Mr Kellington welcome children from Year 5 and 6.

As children reach their classroom, their teachers and teaching assistants greet them at the door. It is those early moments which provide a positive message to welcome our children and also do a quick check-in to see lots of happy, ready faces! We can then offer a little extra support for those children who need a little more.

Emotion Check-Ins!

Each classroom has their own Emotion Check-In to encourage children to identify their feelings as they arrive in school. Staff can do a quick check-in with their pupils and offer strategies to manage their emotions. We encourage and nurture this language.

Collective Worship - an inclusive, invitational and inspiring start to each day at Salesbury

Each morning children are welcomed to participate in Collective Worship which guides and steers us through the day. Children are invited to join us in song, interaction, prayer and reflection. If children take part in a nurture group or intervention, there is time set aside within this for prayer and reflection. Once a week, Mrs Rees, our school SENCO leads Messy Worship for our children with additional needs.

Nurture Group

Nurture Group is available each morning to support our children. Mrs Bowen and Mrs Harrop lead these sessions. Some children attend once a week but it is also a facility which can support children when they need it now and again.

Learning

We employ adaptive teaching strategies so that all children can access the lesson and experience progress and a little challenge. Our learning motto is 'Everyone can start and everyone can get stuck.' Additional resources such as TAs, prompts, frameworks, worked examples, pre-teaching are provided to support all children. We use the Learning Pit analogy to let everyone know that it is good to struggle - that means we are learning and we talk proactively about coming out of the Learning Pit following practice and perseverance. Fostering a growth mindset is key - for all members of the school community. We use our 4 'R's - Resilience, Reciprocity, Resourcefulness and Reflection to encourage children to think of themselves as a learner, and adults share that they are still learning too. We teach children from their own starting points!

Playtime

We have amazing outdoor space - we are incredibly privileged. We know how important green space and fresh air is to our wellbeing so are so lucky that we have it on tap! We have two adventure playgrounds, an all weather pitch, a path that spreads around our field space, outdoor EYFS areas, a garden, a reflection area and a Jubilee Garden! We use our outdoor space for learning but also to provide breaks in between lessons. We also have a Quiet Zone so that children who need a bit of peace have a space for that. We have an outdoor prayer space which also provides time and space. We have a well-resourced, inviting library which older children can access at lunchtime and we now have set up a Chess Club in response to our parent questionnaires which can be accessed at lunchtime. All our Welfare Assistants are Teaching Assistants - they are known to the children and work within their classes. There is always a Senior Leader on duty too!

Peer Massage

All children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 are invited to join in Peer Massage after lunch. A beautiful, calming activity to settle the children back for learning. It starts off with 'Consent and Permission' so we are reinforcing positive touch. Our parents tell us that children can give great massages!

Five to Thrive

Each class has a daily menu of five minute activities which are good for the heart, the body and the mind. These are planned into the daily routine to give a welcome injection of space, calm, energy or relaxation into our busy days.

Therapeutic Approaches

Mrs Bowen runs our Learning Lounge which supports all our children. She is ELSA trained and has also had training in Lego Therapy and Talking and Drawing Therapy alongside years of experience of supporting children and families of all ages.

Wells of Wellbeing

Children have been introduced to a visual representation of wellbeing. This is reviewed at least half-termly with all our children. They are encouraged to live a balanced life and ensure they 'draw' on each well. We have The Physical Well, The Social Well, The Charitable Well, The Spiritual Well and The Creative Well.

Time to Talk

Miss Pomfret runs a lunchtime drop-in each Tuesday to support any children who need this time.

Peer Drop

Our Archbishop of York Young Leaders have introduced a peer-support session each lunchtime

Buddies

All reception children are linked with their Year 6 buddy from Induction. They become the best of friends. Buddies walk together to Church each fortnight as well as spending time with them each week for a range of activities. Of course, they check in on each other at playtime too!