Working to improve the social, emotional, mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Cornwall

Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 22nd May 2026

Friday 22nd May 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

As we move further into the term, this can often be a particularly full and demanding time across schools and services, with a lot happening at once. Alongside this, the longer days and signs of late spring continue to build, bringing a subtle shift in pace, even if it’s only felt in brief moments during the day.

It can be helpful to take small opportunities to pause, reflect, and acknowledge what is already happening within our settings much of it quietly, through everyday work, conversations and connections. We hope the resources and ideas shared this week offer something practical and supportive to carry forward into the weeks ahead.

Book of the Week

The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds

Vashti thinks she can't draw. But her teacher is sure that she can. She knows that there's creative spirit in everyone and encourages Vashti to sign the angry dot she makes in frustration on a piece of paper.

This act makes Vashti look at herself a little differently and helps her discover that where there's a dot there's a way.

Support children in exploring self-expression and emotional development with The Dot Book, ideal for classroom discussions around creativity and confidence.

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

For more book suggestions on a range of topics, please visit our Headstart Wellbeing Book Club

 

This week's Headstart highlight!

Universal Support / Whole‑System Approach – Headstart Kernow

Headstart Kernow’s Universal offer focuses on strengthening emotional wellbeing across whole systems, recognising that supportive environments are created through everyday practice, relationships and shared responsibility. The approach emphasises prevention, inclusion and early support, helping schools, services and communities build resilience and connection at a universal level.

Find out more about Headstart Kernow’s Universal approach here.

 

Headstart’s Digital Resilience Resource of the Week

 

Digital Resilience Blog

This week we’re spotlighting the Digital Resilience Blog. This blog is written by youth worker and PhD student Louisa Street. Louisa writes short reflections on issues in the digital world, with a focus on what professionals can do to respond to problems they face. Recently, she’s written about the challenges associated with telling young people to ‘think critically’ about what they read online.

Click here for all of our Digital Resilience Tools and Resources

 

Supporting Every Student to Succeed – Fair is Not Equal – Pooky Knightsmith

This resource explores how schools can support every student to succeed by creating environments that are inclusive, flexible and responsive to different needs. It focuses on whole‑school thinking, practical adjustments and working with students rather than against them, recognising that approaches which support neurodivergent learners often benefit everyone.

Find out more about supporting every student to succeed – Fair is Not Equal here.

Fair is not equal

 

 
eGuides for Schools and Settings – The Thrive Approach

The Thrive Approach offers a range of downloadable eGuides designed to support emotional development and wellbeing in schools and other settings. The guides provide practical, accessible information to help staff understand behaviour, support emotional needs and strengthen relationships, with a focus on whole‑school and relational approaches.

Find out more about The Thrive Approach eGuides here.

Thrive


 

Thrive Apprenticeships (Autumn 2026 Cohort) – The Thrive Approach

The Thrive Approach is offering apprenticeships for the Autumn 2026 cohort, providing an opportunity for staff to develop their understanding of emotional wellbeing, behaviour and relational practice. The programme supports practitioners to build knowledge and skills that can be applied across whole‑school or service settings.

Find out more about The Thrive Approach apprenticeships here.

 Thrive


 

Healthy Eating Toolkit – British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation’s Healthy Eating Toolkit offers a range of practical tools and information to support healthy, balanced eating. It includes guidance on portion sizes, understanding food labels and building healthy habits, alongside ideas and recipes to support making informed, everyday choices.

Find out more about the British Heart Foundation’s healthy eating toolkit here.

British Heart Foundation


 

Power2Parent Course – Supporting Parents and Carers

The Youth Mental Health Foundation (YMHf) has secured funding to deliver their Power2Parent course in Cornwall. This free, Zoom‑based programme supports parents and carers to better understand and respond to children and young people who may be struggling with emotions, behaviour or mental health. The course is fully funded and accessible, making it a valuable support offer for families.

Find out more about the Power2Parent course and upcoming information sessions here.

Power2Parent course flyer

Power2Parent course details

Claire Sutton

 

 

Creative Education Free Access!

Support the wellbeing of your entire school community with free access to Headstart membership through Creative Education. Staff, governors, parents and carers can all benefit from a comprehensive library of over 400 on demand courses, designed to build confidence, knowledge and practical skills around wellbeing and safeguarding.  Sign up today and start exploring the support available!

Sign up here: www.headstartkernow.org.uk/creative-education/

 

Creative Education fliers

Download our updated Creative Education membership information fliers with access links for:

 

 

Stay in touch: Check out our training and other support and sign up for the occasional newsletter.

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