Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 17th July 2026
Friday 17th July 2026
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
Find out more about the 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
Nearly there! The end of term is in sight. You’ve got this. Given previous experience we’d hazard a guess that the heatwave will break just in time for the holidays too… 🙄
We wanted to send a huge thank you to school staff across the County. As the summer holidays arrive please remember to invest a little bit of self-care for yourselves as you navigate these final busy weeks.
The team at Education Support have some top tips for summer self-care. Their helpline is available 24/7 over the break.
We’re celebrating all things summer in the newsletter this week including our family activity book, ‘My Brilliant Summer’.
Created by the HeadStart Kernow team, this annual wellbeing magazine is designed to support children, young people and families throughout the summer holidays. Built around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, the magazine is packed with fun activities, practical wellbeing tips, local opportunities and inspiration to help families connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give to others.
As the school year draws to a close, My Brilliant Summer 2026 provides a valuable resource that can be shared with pupils and families to help them make the most of the summer break while supporting their wellbeing.
Schools are encouraged to display the accompanying poster in a prominent location. The QR code gives children, young people, parents and carers direct access to the digital magazine, making it easy for families to explore ideas and activities together.
We're also pleased to let colleagues know that printed copies of the magazine are currently being produced and will be available throughout the summer in Family Hubs and libraries across Cornwall, helping to ensure families can access the resource in a way that works best for them.
You can download and share the magazine and promotional materials today and help families start planning their most brilliant summer yet!
Activities for Families Booklets : Headstart Kernow
We'd like to highlight a fantastic training opportunity for schools. This webinar takes place in September, and with everyone preparing for the summer break, we encourage schools to book their places now to secure attendance before the holidays begin!
Practical Strategies to Create Belonging and Inclusion
Headstart is excited to invite TIS UK to deliver a free webinar suitable for all staff in Education Settings.
Wednesday 30th September 2026, 3.30 - 5pm online via Zoom
Create a school culture where every child feels valued, connected and able to thrive. This inspiring and practical training explores evidence-based approaches to belonging and inclusion, helping staff build emotionally safe, relationally rich environments. Gain actionable strategies, real-life case studies, and tools to strengthen attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement. Delegates will also receive a comprehensive Belonging Audit and implementation toolkit to support lasting whole-setting change.
To support CPD within your setting, you are welcome to book one place and share the live screening on your laptop with up to 10 colleagues.
Please do let your colleagues know about this valuable opportunity, and book your place here: Training calendar : Headstart Kernow
Children who struggle
The holidays can be a tricky time for some C&YP. School can offer structure and routine as well being a safe place with a trusted adult to turn to. Our Connect Card for young people (10+) was created by young people to provide a handy link to getting help and support via the Start Now. Connect Cards (free) can found at libraries across Cornwall or they can be requested via our websites.
Find out more about the Connect Card and how to order a free card here.
Brand New Global Voices: Understanding and Inclusion Training
How can we work together to make Cornwall a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected?
Join Headstart Kernow and the Resettlement Service (soon to become the Inclusion & Belonging Team) for Global Voices: Understanding and Inclusion, Cornwall Council's new cultural awareness and inclusion training programme, launching this September.
This interactive, in-person workshop will help participants to:
- Understand the changing communities and diverse experiences across Cornwall.
- Develop greater cultural awareness and confidence when working with people from different backgrounds.
- Recognise assumptions, stereotypes and unconscious bias.
- Build practical skills that support inclusion, belonging and community cohesion.
- Strengthen relationships and create more welcoming environments for all.
Global Voices is not just about supporting people arriving through resettlement schemes. It is designed for anyone who wants to work more effectively, confidently and inclusively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.
Places are limited, so book early to secure your spot. Please also share this opportunity with colleagues, partners and networks who may benefit from attending.
Together, we can help make Cornwall a place of welcome and belonging for everyone.
Lunch is provided for all participants.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Change - Dr Pooky Knightsmith
Dr Pooky Knightsmith has shared the slides and companion notes from a recent webinar exploring how to support neurodivergent children and young people through periods of change and transition. The resource offers practical, compassionate strategies to help reduce anxiety, build confidence and ensure the right support is in place, making it relevant for both education professionals and families.
Find out more about Dr Pooky Knightsmith’s transition support resources here.
Behaviour and Anti‑Bullying Research Project - Department for Education
The Department for Education has commissioned a new behaviour and anti‑bullying research project, delivered by ImpactEd Evaluation and Etio, to help develop a national evidence‑based toolkit for schools. Researchers are seeking input from teachers, school leaders and pupils to better understand effective approaches to behaviour, bullying prevention and reducing avoidable exclusions. Participating schools will receive £200 as a thank you for taking part, with interviews scheduled for September and early October 2026.
Summer Wellbeing Calendar - Action for Happiness
The Action for Happiness calendar offers simple, daily prompts designed to support wellbeing through small, positive actions. The summer calendar encourages kindness, gratitude, connection and self‑care, providing accessible ideas that can be used by children, young people, families and professionals alike. It is a simple way to maintain a focus on wellbeing and positive habits throughout the summer months.
Find out more about the Action for Happiness Summer Wellbeing Calendar
End of Term Transition Activities - ELSA Support
As the school year draws to a close, ELSA Support's end‑of‑term transition activities can help children and young people reflect on their achievements, celebrate positive memories and prepare for upcoming changes. The resources provide a gentle and supportive way to build confidence and encourage positive conversations around transitions.
Find out more about ELSA Support's end‑of‑term transition activities here
EmpathyLab - From Persistent Absence to 99% Attendance
EmpathyLab has shared the story of a school that successfully improved attendance by focusing on empathy, relationships and a culture of belonging. The case study explores how understanding pupils’ experiences, listening to their voices and creating supportive environments can have a significant impact on engagement and attendance. It offers valuable insights for schools looking to strengthen inclusion and promote positive outcomes for all learners.
Find out more about how an empathy‑led approach helped improve attendance here.
Summer Wellbeing Resources - Mentally Healthy Schools
Mentally Healthy Schools has brought together a range of resources to support children and young people's wellbeing during the summer period. Covering topics such as transitions, emotional wellbeing, routines and preparing for change, the resources offer practical ideas for schools, families and professionals.
Find out more about Mentally Healthy Schools'
Self-Care Plans for Children and Young People - Anna Freud
Anna Freud offers free self‑care planning resources designed to help children and young people reflect on what supports their wellbeing and identify strategies they can use when they need them. These resources can be particularly helpful as pupils prepare for the summer holidays and changes in routine.
Find out more about Anna Freud's self‑care resources here
Cornwall Healthy Schools Oral Health Survey 2026
Cornwall Healthy Schools is inviting schools to take part in the Oral Health Survey 2026, helping to build a better understanding of oral health needs and experiences among children and young people across Cornwall. The findings will help inform future planning, support and initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes for pupils.
Find out more about the Cornwall Healthy Schools Oral Health Survey 2026 here.
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