Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 4th April 2025
Friday 4th April 2025
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
Looking ahead to exams and transition
April. How did that happen? Although it has been good to see the sunshine in recent days. The spring term seems to be flying by. Our thoughts are turning to exams and supporting young people through the process without too much stress and worry and towards supporting transitions be that from class to class / key stage to key stage as well the potentially tricky primary to secondary transition. We know that for some, especially more vulnerable, children can lead to a drop in attendance, increased anxiety and poorer wellbeing, some behavioural issues and some pupils beginning to disengage.
We are aware of some terrific work already taking place in schools supported by the Mental Health in Schools Team / the Education Psychology Service and organisations like Kooth. We are currently working on a refresh of the hugely popular Transition Mission booklet created by a group of YP who had experienced a tricky time following their own transition to secondary. We will also share advice and information for YP from YP on both exams season and transition via the Start Now website.
The Brilliant ME! Guide to Anxiety Booklet for parents and carers - now available to order
The Brilliant ME! Guide to Anxiety Booklet for parents and carers has just landed from the printers. Schools / professionals can order free copies from us via the resource order page on the website and parents can request free copies directly or get them from their local library.
There is an accompanying booklet for school staff with additional information and resources (order from the resources page)
Belonging, Brilliant ME! and Myth Makers
Part of the reason ‘Brilliant ME!’ had a strong Cornish / sea theme is about fostering a sense of place and belonging to Cornwall. With this in mind the fabulous Jonathan Roberts and the Cornwall Library Serviceheld a series of workshops for children and families in libraries across Cornwall where they explored local myths and stories and were given the opportunity to put their stamp on the places they live by working collaboratively to create new myths.
The stories have now been gathered in a booklet with additional tales / poetry and artwork by those taking part. It is freely available via the Library Service Borrow Box. It also be viewed on the Headstart website.
Have you joined the Headstart Kernow Creative Education membership yet?
Sign up here: www.headstartkernow.org.uk/creative-education/
Download our updated Creative Education membership information fliers with access links for:
Creative Education – Featured Content
An Introduction to Neuroinclusion (a new course free to members)
This course covers the principles of neuroinclusion, highlighting its benefits for both staff and students. You will learn practical strategies to foster a more inclusive environment in your setting.
What You’ll Learn…
- The principles of neuroinclusion
- The benefits of neuroinclusion for staff and students
- Strategies to promote neuroinclusion in your setting.
On-demand FREE to members
Improving Behaviour and Culture through Relational Practice – with Dr Pooky Knightsmith
This course focuses on practical steps we can take towards developing positive relationships with children (and adults) in school. We focus on how to build strong, trusting relationships with children who may not have a wealth of positive relationships experience to draw on. These ideas can be applied on a one-to-one basis with individuals or across whole classes, departments or schools.
On-demand FREE to members
Get Outside and Bond: Simple Ideas to Try
In Japanese there is a word for the therapeutic process of forest bathing “Shinrin yoku”, describing being calm and quiet amongst the trees. As we try to connect with children and young people, the environment plays a huge part in our entwined connection. Using outdoor space to connect, bond and develop play and functional skills is rewarding, calming and enables children to find deeper links to themselves and the world around them.
FREE – open access
External organisations - training coming up.
Boys, Books and Reading for Empathy Training
28 April 2025 — Online, 4.00-5.30pm (£20)
Empathy Lab have decided to re-run their Boys, Books and Reading for Empathy training in response to the recent conversations prompted by the Netflix Programme Adolescence, and Sir Gareth Southgate’s recent Richard Dimbleby Lecture on the BBC, which have highlighted the damaging influence of online culture around masculinity.
As our boys grow up, there are concerning trends which we believe educating for empathy has the potential to combat. This course helps you choose and use empathy-rich books which increase reading for pleasure and explore what it is like to be a boy or young man in 2025, challenge pressures to conform to gender stereotypes, raise aspiration and support wellbeing. Find out more...
Thrive UK
From red pill to 80/20: decoding Netflix’s Adolescence to support mental health in education
8th April 2025 - 16.00 (online / free)
Increasingly young people are being exposed to harmful online narratives around masculinity, relationships and self-worth. From incel culture and the manosphere to red pill ideology, these digital spaces can shape how boys see themselves and interact with others - sometimes with devastating consequences.
As educators, how can we spot the warning signs? How do we create safe spaces for young people to talk about these issues? And how can we equip them with the tools to develop a healthy sense of identity and belonging?
Dr Lisa Cherry (TICS) Circles and Threads; Trauma Informed Record Keeping
1st July 2025 (online). Cost involved.
For foster carers, social workers and those in education responsible for writing records.
It is an insightful, interactive, connection space. Using a trauma informed lens, we'll explore how records have the capacity to heal the reader long after their time in care.
News / Resources / Updates
Action for Happiness – Active April wellbeing Calendar
Anna Freud Centre - Mental health and wellbeing calendar: summer term 2025
A calendar of curriculum themes and occasions linked to mental health for the 2025 summer term, with activity ideas and suggestions for each theme.
Kidscape turns 40!
Kidscape are launching a year long campaign Forty Year of Hope and Help including sharing 40 stories over the year.
Wellbeing Book of the Week
The Ultimate Guide to Self-Regulation in the Classroom – by Sue Cowley
Don’t be fooled by the cheerful / charming ‘emojis’ on the front cover. This is a serious and detailed guide to the both the theories behind self-regulation and insights into practical strategies for the classroom.
The structure and layout of the book are excellent (although yet another book with tiny print and lots crammed onto each page which is happening increasingly – grrr!). There are two sections with the theory in the first part and practical ideas in the second – making it easy to navigate and dip into and out of for quick access to strategies / situations.
The content is clear and concise without being simplistic and the author brings real meaning and depth to the idea of ‘behaviour for learning’ – helping teachers manage behaviour in ways that help children self-regulation whilst creating a calm environment for all.
There is a lot that appealed including chapters exploring emotional literacy, empathy and resilience.
Highly recommended.
What Helps Me Thrive – A One-Pager for Students by Pooky Knightsmith
Another excellent resource created by Pooky Knightsmith and freely shared as ever.
A simple, student-friendly template enabling autistic students (and others who may need extra help) to communicate their needs in a range of situations (including transition)