Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 4th February 2026
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
Perhaps one of the most important things we can teach children is an understanding of the brain and its role in trying to keep us safe, our emotions and learning.
It is one of the things young people were keen to cover in the newly updated Start Now young people’s website. As part of the new content, we’ve been working on a short interactive exploration of the brain and neuroscience - Meet your Amazing Brain. We’d love some feedback (it’s early days in our adventures with new software and co-creating content!
The same software has been in action as we launch a new strand of bite size learning – short, single topic, interactive modules. The first modules have been developed for anyone who is not in a pastoral role or wellbeing practitioners. The first, trial version (An Introduction to PACE) is available now – again, we’re keen to get feedback and look out for more coming soon…
Children’s Mental Health Week starts on Monday (5th). ‘This year’s theme, ‘This is My Place’ celebrates all things Belonging. We’ll be sharing social media messages for parents / carers, children & young people, and professional colleagues. You can find all of the relevant content / links on our dedicated #CMHW2026 page.
This month’s Action for Happiness wellbeing calendar is Friendly February. It’s full of great ways to build connection and friendship.
Feelings are like Farts by Christopher Willard and Tara Wosiski illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
This wonderful picture book brought back a wonderful memory of Dr Dog by Babette Cole which greatly added to my science lessons a lifetime ago. Why are feelings like farts? Because you usually feel better if you just let them out. That is the simple premise of the immensely clever, funny and reassuring book.
Every single page has a helpful, simple analogy – thus guiding children gently and reassuringly through an exploration of the important messages – all feelings are simply feelings, we all have them and more in a fun and engaging way. It is accompanied by unexpectedly muted and simple but effective illustrations. I can imagine using this beyond the KS1 target audience especially for C&YP who struggle with their emotional literacy and understanding and / or children who may be difficult to engage. Hghly Recommended!
What’s on the Headstart Kernow website?
Brilliant ME! – Primary wellbeing downloadable journal
Brilliant ME!, a primary wellbeing journal with a Cornish, sea‑themed design that supports belonging, resilience, and PSHE mental‑wellbeing goals. It links to frameworks like Boingboing’s Resilience Framework and the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, with additional links to guidance and journal pages.
Don’t forget you can now access this and previous newsletters on the website
Training & Events
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:
Stay in touch: 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.
News and Resources
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week: 9–15 February
Place2Be
This year’s theme from Place2Be is “This is my place”, focusing on the importance of belonging for children and young people’s mental health. Schools and colleges play a key role in helping pupils feel they truly belong.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: Exploring belonging with free resources from Thrive
A look at this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme, This Is My Place, and why belonging is so central to children’s emotional wellbeing. This section highlights Thrive’s free resource packs for early years, primary, and secondary settings, offering practical activities, assemblies, and relational approaches that help children feel safe, connected, and valued. It also touches on how belonging supports mental health and behaviour, and how these flexible resources can complement any existing wellbeing work.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: EYFS Resource Pack EYFS
A short introduction to Twinkl’s EYFS resource pack for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, themed This Is My Place. This section highlights the age‑appropriate activity sheets and editable PowerPoint designed to help young children explore belonging, feelings, and emotional wellbeing in simple, engaging ways. It also notes that the pack is fully editable, allowing practitioners to adapt materials to suit different learners and settings.
Free Wellbeing Measurement Surveys
All Wellbeing Measurement for Schools modular surveys are available free for schools and colleges. Two particularly relevant options for this year’s theme include:
- School Life Survey – insight into how pupils feel about day‑to‑day school experiences
- Relationships Survey – understanding connections with peers and trusted adults
Additional Resources from Anna Freud
Throughout the week, colleagues at Anna Freud will be sharing resources and content to support a stronger sense of belonging for all children and young people, whatever their circumstances.
ELSA – Free resources
A spotlight on the wide range of wellbeing and emotional literacy resources available on Elsa‑Support. This section highlights the breadth of downloadable materials, including lesson plans, worksheets, mindfulness activities, pupil leaflets, tangible items from Debbie’s Hive, and an expanding collection of secondary resources. It also notes that users can request new resources or adaptations, ensuring support that’s flexible, relevant, and tailored to children’s needs.
Celebrating the launch of the 2026 Read for Empathy collection
A look at this year’s inspiring Read for Empathy collection, featuring 65 books for ages 3–16+ that help young people explore empathy, connection, and the world around them. This section highlights the diversity of the titles, links to the Primary and Secondary guides, and shares details of a free learning webinar with featured authors. It also includes ways to support EmpathyLab through early registration for the Empathy Day Festival, offering free events, activities, and digital resources for schools, libraries, and families.
Safer Internet Day 2026: Smart tech, safe choices
A short look at this year’s Safer Internet Day, focusing on the theme Smart tech, safe choices and the safe, responsible use of AI. This section highlights the importance of refreshing conversations around online safety, digital wellbeing, and critical thinking, especially as AI becomes part of children’s everyday online lives. It also points readers to practical resources from the UK Safer Internet Centre, including top tips for parents, carers, children, and young people, along with further guidance for schools and families.
Have you visited our new www.headstartkernow.org.uk website yet?
We made it simpler to find what you need as professionals supporting children and families need as well adding a new, more prominent area for parents and carers.
Have a look and let us know what you think!
Stay in touch: Check out our training and other support at www.headstartkernow.org.uk and sign up for the occasional newsletter.
And follow us on our page on the Services for Schools platform.