Nurture uk Accreditation
Whole School Approach to Nurture and Wellbeing
At St Alphege CE lnfant School, Nurture, Wellbeing and Inclusion are at the heart of all we do. Pastoral care underpins personal development and enables our children to feel they belong, that they have good self-esteem and that they are able to flourish, because they feel loved, valued and cared for.
Children need to be happy, confident and settled in order for their brains to be ready for learning. Wellbeing is therefore a priority for all staff and as such, all staff are responsible for supporting children's mental health and wellbeing.
We believe having a whole school nurturing approach, where social, emotional and mental health is supported to form the foundations on which an academic education can be built, is fundamental for our children’s futures. By a “whole school approach”, we mean involving every individual in the school community: pupils, parents, all staff, governors and volunteers. Nurture as a practice, means relating to and coaching children and young people, to help them form positive relationships, build resilience and improve their social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing. There has never been a more important time in education for nurture. Children, parents, staff and our communities face an ever changing and at times unpredictable world.
Our school recently achieved official Nurture UK accreditation, the first school in our District to do so. This accreditation celebrates our long-held commitment to placing Nurture, Wellbeing and Inclusion at the heart of all we do.
All children’s wellbeing is monitored by class teachers daily. Staff ensure that additional time is made for those who require it through being responsive to the individual needs of the children within the class. If staff are concerned about a child’s wellbeing this would be raised with a member of the well-being team.
Meet the Wellbeing Team
The wellbeing team support many children across the school for a variety of reasons. This could be on an individual or a small group basis. Children may be identified by school staff or by parents. Many children, during the course of their schooling may need support from the wellbeing team for a wide range of reasons. To contact the Wellbeing Team please email the Inclusion Leader:
becky.strike@st-alphege.kent.sch.uk
The Well-being Team include:
Jacqui Spinks, Head of School and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Becky Strike, Inclusion Leader, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead,
Senior Mental Health Lead
Hellyn Forth - Attachment Lead TA
Debbie Mead - Wellbeing TA and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Claire Willingham – Play Therapist
Need support for your own mental health?
If you are feeling low or anxious, stressed or feel you are simply finding it difficult to cope at the moment, you can call the confidential Mental Health Matters Helpline for guidance and support. You can contact a trained and experienced support worker on 0800 107 0160.
Useful links
