Wellbeing
At Saint Christina’s, wellbeing is integral to everything we do. We know that children learn best when they feel safe, secure, and understood, and our approach ensures that each child is nurtured not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
We see wellbeing as a proactive, community-wide commitment. Our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, and everyday classroom practice equip pupils with the tools to understand their emotions, develop resilience, build positive relationships, and ask for help when they need it. Children are taught to recognise their strengths, reflect on challenges, and show compassion and empathy towards others.
Central to our wellbeing provision is the Wellbeing Hub, a child-led initiative offering a safe, welcoming space where pupils can drop in for a chat, take a break, or explore their feelings. The Hub is hosted by our trained Year 6 Wellbeing Ambassadors, who also lead assemblies, visit classrooms, and model kind and empathetic behaviour to younger peers. Alongside them, our Inclusion Ambassadors help ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the school community.
Our buddy system is another vital strand of pastoral life. Each new pupil is paired with an older child who supports their transition and helps them feel at home. In Year 6, buddies take on greater responsibilities, becoming role models and forming strong bonds with younger children. This system builds confidence, leadership, and connection, while reinforcing our values of kindness, service, and care.
We also recognise the importance of mental health support. In addition to the Wellbeing Hub, we have mental health first aiders who are trained to identify concerns and provide immediate support. Pupils have access to counselling services and are encouraged to reach out if they ever need help. Regular wellbeing check-ins are part of our approach, ensuring that any issues are identified early and addressed in a supportive way.
The environment in which our children grow is key to their wellbeing. Daily outdoor time, regular Forest School in EYFS, easy access to green space, and our much-loved PAT dog all contribute to a calm, grounded atmosphere. We prioritise moments of stillness, joy, movement, and reflection within our day.
We care deeply about staff wellbeing, recognising that a flourishing adult community is essential in modelling healthy habits and attitudes to the children. Our school culture is one of openness, kindness, and collaboration. Staff receive ongoing professional development to support pupil mental health, including recognising signs of distress and fostering a culture of care.
We also engage with parents to support the wellbeing of our pupils beyond school hours. Regular communication, workshops, and resources are provided to help families create a supportive environment at home.
At Saint Christina’s, wellbeing isn’t a one-off lesson or intervention; it is our 'Golden Thread', and a way of life. We want our pupils to leave us as confident, emotionally intelligent, and empathetic individuals, equipped not only with academic knowledge and skills, but with the emotional understanding and inner strength to navigate the world beyond our school.