Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 13th November 2026
Friday 13th November 2026
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
Find out more about Headstart’s Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub and the support / resources / tools available to support “a Whole School, trauma informed, relational Approach to Wellbeing that is ‘Everybody’s Business’".
Welcome
As we head towards Anti-Bullying Week, this edition of the newsletter shines a spotlight on something that sits at the heart of so much of our work with children and young people: feeling safe, feeling heard and feeling that you belong.
Whether we're talking about bullying, attendance, wellbeing, inclusion, behaviour, online safety or mental health, the same themes continue to emerge. Children and young people are more likely to thrive when they feel connected to the people around them, know that their voice matters, and have trusted adults who take the time to listen and understand their experiences.
This week's newsletter brings together a wide range of resources, training and opportunities that support those aims. From our upcoming Brilliant Me in Action! webinars and HeadStart's growing focus on belonging and mattering, to practical resources on behaviour as communication, online safety, neurodiversity, family support, safeguarding and mental health, there is plenty to explore and share with colleagues.
Wellbeing Book of the Week
Mud Boy by Sarah Siggs, with notes by Pooky Knightsmith
If you're looking for a book that gently explores themes of difference, belonging and acceptance, Mud Boy is well worth a read. Written by Sarah Siggs with accompanying notes by Dr Pooky Knightsmith, the story follows a young boy who finds it difficult to connect with the world around him and the people within it.
What makes Mud Boy particularly powerful is its ability to invite empathy and curiosity rather than judgement. It provides a thoughtful starting point for conversations about neurodiversity, inclusion, friendship and what it feels like to experience the world differently from those around you.
The accompanying notes from Pooky Knightsmith add further value, offering prompts and reflections that can help adults explore the book's themes with children and young people. This makes it a useful resource for classrooms, pastoral work, wellbeing groups and anyone looking to promote understanding and belonging.
Our verdict: A thoughtful, accessible and discussion-provoking book that helps children explore difference through a strengths-based lens while encouraging empathy, acceptance and inclusion.
For more book suggestions on a range of topics, please visit our Headstart wellbeing book club.
This week's Headstart highlight
Bullying: Information, Advice and Support
Bullying can have a significant impact on a child or young person's wellbeing, confidence and sense of belonging. The Start Now Cornwall website provides information and support for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals, helping them understand what bullying is, where to find support and what action can be taken when concerns arise.
With Anti-Bullying Week approaching, the resource offers a useful starting point for conversations about kindness, respect, inclusion and helping children feel safe enough to speak up when something isn't right.
News round up
Anti-Bullying Week 2026: Free Resources for Schools
With Anti-Bullying Week 2026 approaching, schools can access a wide range of free resources to support classroom discussions, assemblies and wider anti-bullying activities. This year's resources include lesson plans, activity sheets, posters, discussion prompts and assembly materials designed to help children and young people explore bullying, kindness, inclusion and positive relationships.
Resources are available for both primary and secondary settings, making them easy to adapt for your pupils and school community.
Explore the free resources and find practical ideas for marking Anti-Bullying Week in your setting
Children's Mental Health Week 2027 Resources Now Available
It may feel early, but Place2Be has already released its free resources for Children's Mental Health Week 2027. The theme, Step into Our World, focuses on empathy, relationships and understanding children's experiences and perspectives. Schools can access free assembly guides, classroom activities and practical resources to help children explore connection, belonging and positive relationships.
Explore the free resources and start planning for Children's Mental Health Week 2027
Young People's Biggest Worries Revealed as Childline Marks 40 Years
To mark the 40th anniversary of Childline, the NSPCC has shared new research exploring the concerns facing young people today. A survey of 2,260 teenagers found that 34% were worried about what the future will bring, 26% identified mental health as one of their top concerns, and 22% said they were troubled by the state of the world.
The findings highlight the importance of creating opportunities for children and young people to talk about their worries, feel listened to and access support when they need it. Alongside the research, Childline has launched a new podcast series celebrating 40 years of the service and the experiences of the children, young people and volunteer counsellors who have helped shape it.
Read the news story and explore the findings
Other Exciting FREE Headstart Training Opportunities
SPACE - FREE training: Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally
1 December - 3 December 2026 Online
Following the 3-day course with our partners at Rock Pool CIC, facilitators are equipped to deliver a five-week SPACE programme for parents and carers and/or children and young people within their own settings, helping to strengthen relationships, connections and emotional wellbeing across the school community. Please see the attached for more information.
Spaces are limited and the deadline for sign up is this coming Monday, therefore if you would like to register your interest, please do so today by emailing space@cornwall.gov.uk.
CAPA First Response and HeadStart Kernow: Understanding Child-to-Parent/Carer Aggression and Harm
Wednesday 25 November, 3.30pm to 5.00pm | Online
This free online session from CAPA First Response and HeadStart Kernow explores Child-to-Parent Aggression (CPA) through a trauma-informed lens. Designed for professionals working with children, young people and families, the session will help participants understand the impact of CPA, explore what may be driving these behaviours, and develop practical strategies to support children, young people, parents and carers.
Participants will gain greater confidence in recognising and responding to CPA, while considering how behaviours may present differently at home, in school and within the wider community.
For further information and to book your place, please visit our Headstart Training Calendar.
Dr Pooky Knightsmith
Free Webinar: From Blame to Unmet Needs
Tuesday 17 November, 4.00pm to 5.00pm | Online
When something goes wrong, it can be tempting to look for someone to blame, whether that's a child, parent, professional or even ourselves. In this free webinar, Pooky Knightsmith and Ian Hunkin will explore a different approach, focusing on understanding and responding to unmet needs rather than assigning fault. The session will share practical strategies that can be applied straight away, helping professionals and families better support both children and adults when things become difficult.
The webinar includes 30 minutes of taught content followed by a live Q&A session. A recording will also be available to everyone who registers.
Free Resource: Supporting a Child Through Bereavement
When a child experiences the death of someone important to them, many adults worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. In this free downloadable resource, Dr Pooky Knightsmith shares practical guidance to help parents, carers and professionals support children and young people through bereavement with honesty, compassion and confidence.
The resource explores how children may respond to grief, how adults can talk about death in an age-appropriate way, and simple strategies that can help children feel safe, understood and supported during a difficult time.
Behaviour as Communication: Free Slides and Notes
What if the behaviour we find most challenging is actually telling us something important?
In this free set of slides and companion notes, Dr Pooky Knightsmith explores the idea of behaviour as communication rather than defiance or sabotage. The resource examines what happens in the brain when children and young people feel under threat, why behaviour can be a form of survival, and how adults can respond in ways that reduce stress and increase connection.
The resource introduces the CALM framework:
- Create space
- Adjust your approach
- Lower demands
- Meet the need
Designed for education professionals, the practical guidance can be used in classrooms, staff meetings, INSET sessions and wider professional development, helping staff build confidence in responding calmly and effectively when behaviour becomes challenging.
Empowering Parents in a Digital World: Free Toolkit and Webinar
Wednesday 9 December 2026, 3.45pm
Supporting parents and carers to navigate the online world can be challenging, particularly as technology continues to evolve. LGfL (London Grid for Learning) has developed a free Parent Online Safety Toolkit to help schools and community settings start meaningful conversations with families about online safety.
The toolkit covers key topics including generative AI, social media, online gaming, screen time, safety settings and digital wellbeing, and includes a ready-made presentation that staff can use with parents and carers.
To support implementation, LGfL is also running a free webinar for DSLs, online safety leads, senior leaders and governors. The session will explore how to personalise parent events, facilitate discussions and make the most of the toolkit resources.
Stay in touch: Sign up to Headstart’s Cornwall Schools Wellbeing Hub, check out our training and other support and sign up for the occasional newsletter.
And follow us on our page on the Services for Schools platform.