Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 25th September 2026
Friday 25th September 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
Supporting children and young people to thrive is everyone's business, and we're here to help. In this edition, you'll find practical resources, training opportunities, wellbeing recommendations, and evidence-informed approaches to support a whole school, trauma-informed and relational culture where wellbeing, belonging, and inclusion are at the heart of everyday practice.
This week, we have a final call to book onto our upcoming Trauma Informed Schools (TIS) webinar, as well as information about the launch of our new Brilliant Me in Action! resource. Designed to support both practitioners and whole-school approaches to wellbeing, inclusion, belonging, and positive outcomes for children and young people, you can find out more by booking onto one of our upcoming webinars. Full details and booking information can be found below.
We hope you discover something useful to support your practice, strengthen wellbeing across your setting, and help the children and young people you work with to thrive.
Happy reading!
Wellbeing book of the week
This week we are looking at a new book, just published to support a Whole School Approach to wellbeing.
The Anxious Classroom- Vital Everyday Strategies for Teachers to Help Children 4 – 11 Thrive by Emma Connor
Blurb: Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges facing children in education today, cited as one of the main reasons children do not attend school. While many books help teachers understand mental health, few focus on anxiety – which school staff feel they know the least about.
Emma Connor offers a compassionate, practical toolkit for supporting anxious children in school. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, she combines attachment theory, neuroscience, and effective strategies that fit naturally into everyday teaching.
Warm, grounded, and deeply respectful of educators, this book empowers every member of the school community to build emotional safety, strengthen relationships, and create classrooms where children can truly thrive.
Our review
The Anxious Classroom will undoubtedly spark discussion in the ongoing debate around the over-pathologising of children's everyday experiences. While the title may lead some to question whether normal worries and challenges are being labelled as anxiety, the reality is that many children and young people do experience significant anxiety, and schools are increasingly seeing the impact this can have on attendance, engagement, and wellbeing. At the same time, it is important to remember that anxiety does not exist in isolation; feelings of safety, belonging, and connection are equally important factors in understanding why some children struggle.
Emma Connor's book recognises these complexities while remaining firmly focused on prevention and early support. We believe it will quickly become a favourite among wellbeing practitioners, classroom teachers, and teaching assistants because of its emphasis on practical, everyday strategies that can be embedded within normal school life. Highly readable and accessible, the book is organised into well-structured chapters, with clear, realistic, and memorable activities throughout. The excellent 'Treasure Chest' section at the end of each chapter provides a particularly useful collection of ideas and resources. Highly recommended for anyone seeking practical ways to help children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
Find out more with a FREE live online launch – details and booking below:
Online launch Sunday 18th October 2026
For more book suggestions on a range of topics, please visit our headstart wellbeing book club.
This week's Headstart highlights!
Hold the date
Brilliant Me in Action! An introduction
Webinar 16.00 - 17.30
22nd October OR 3rd November
A webinar introducing Brilliant Me in Action and the free resources behind it.
Schools are navigating significant change, alongside growing and increasingly complex needs around belonging, attendance, inclusion, wellbeing, RSHE and Oracy.
But schools don’t need another initiative. They need flexible, practical resources that can respond to where they are now and build from there.
Brilliant Me in Action! offers just that.
In the webinar, we’ll introduce the Brilliant Me approach centred around Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and explore how the resources can support schools to:
- strengthen belonging and connection
- support attendance and engagement
- develop inclusive practice
- build Oracy and communication
- nurture wellbeing and positive relationships
- support RSHE and respond to the particular needs, priorities and context of your school
There is no one-size-fits-all starting point. Brilliant Me is intended to meet schools where they’re at - whether you are beginning to explore these areas, building on existing work, or looking for ways to bring different priorities together.
Other Exciting FREE Headstart Training Opportunities
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!! TIS UK Webinar, Practical Strategies to Create Belonging and Inclusion
Wednesday, 30th September 2026, 3.30 - 5pm Online
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. Please see attached for more information.
Please do let your colleagues know about this valuable opportunity, and book your place here: Training calendar : Headstart Kernow
SPACE - 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, therefore if you would like to register your interest, please do so as soon as you can by emailing space@cornwall.gov.uk
Creative Education online platforms for schools and parents and carers.
A quick reminder to all users that the Headstart Kernow free access to the platforms for schools and parents and carers will finish on 31st October 2026 as originally planned
We have enjoyed a super relationship with Creative Ed since it was first set up in 2020 and we are sad not to be able to continue to support access for our schools / families.
If you are currently accessing the platform and would like to explore continued access please contact sophie.beresford@creativeeducation.co.uk who will be happy to help.
Words Matter
Free Resources to Help Children Thrive
Did you know that the words used by adults can have a lifelong impact on children's confidence, wellbeing and development? Words Matter is a national charity on a mission to help adults communicate with children in ways that build them up, not knock them down. Their free resources, guides and online learning opportunities offer practical advice for parents, carers and professionals working with children and young people. Whether you're looking to strengthen relationships, support wellbeing or create a more positive environment, there's something for everyone.
Calling all Jacqueline Wilson fans!
Don't miss this fantastic FREE online event with legendary children's author Jacqueline Wilson as she celebrates her brand-new story, Esme Pepper. Aimed at ages 8-12, the session will include a reading from the book, a chance to hear how stories can help us understand big feelings and different perspectives, and an opportunity for children to ask Jacqueline their own questions. Open to schools, libraries, community groups and home educators everywhere. Taking place online on 14 October, 2.00pm to 2.45pm. Spaces are limited, so book early!
Find out more and book your place
Making the Most of Pupil Premium Funding
How can schools ensure their Pupil Premium funding has the greatest impact? The latest guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) shares practical, evidence-based recommendations to help schools support disadvantaged pupils. Covering everything from effective teaching and targeted support to attendance and wellbeing, it's a valuable resource for school leaders planning their Pupil Premium strategy.
Pooky Knightsmith
Creating Positive Playtimes with Pooky Knightsmith
Break time can be the most challenging part of the school day. It is often the least structured, noisiest and most socially demanding time for children, yet it can have a huge impact on learning and wellbeing. In this practical resource, Pooky Knightsmith explores how schools can create more positive playtimes by intentionally designing the space, the timing of breaks and the role of adults. From creating inclusive zones and supporting social interaction to managing wet play and recognising the impact of basic needs such as food, hydration and toilet access, the guide is packed with realistic, achievable ideas for busy school staff.
Download Creating Positive Playtimes
Pooky Knightsmith Safe Enough to Belong: Understanding the Five Domains of Safety
What does it take for a child to move from simply coping to truly belonging? In this insightful resource, Pooky Knightsmith explores the Five Domains of Safety: physical, sensory, social, emotional and cognitive safety, and how these can help adults better understand and support children who have experienced trauma, care experiences or neurodivergence.
Originally developed through work with neurodivergent learners and shared at the Isle of Wight Virtual School Conference, this practical framework encourages professionals and carers to ask one simple but powerful question: Where does this child feel unsafe, and what can we do about it?
Online Child Sexual Abuse: New NSPCC Data Highlights Key Platforms
The NSPCC has released new Childline data highlighting the online platforms most frequently mentioned in counselling sessions where young people discussed experiences of online sexual abuse. Between April 2025 and March 2026, Snapchat was the platform most often referenced, followed by TikTok, Instagram, Discord and WhatsApp. The findings serve as an important reminder of the need for ongoing conversations with children and young people about online safety, healthy digital relationships and where to seek support if something doesn't feel right.
The data comes as the government considers new legislation aimed at strengthening online protections for children, including measures relating to the sharing of nude images and age assurance on apps and platforms.
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