Supporting Our Pupils’ Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
At Kingdom Christian School, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, listened to and loved. We strive to know each of our pupils as individuals, building positive relationships that enable us to recognise when a child may be struggling with their emotional or mental wellbeing and offer support at the earliest opportunity.
We work hard to create an inclusive, calm and nurturing environment where children feel secure, valued and confident enough to share their worries with a trusted adult. We recognise that not every child finds it easy to express how they are feeling, so we also provide a worry box, giving pupils an alternative way to communicate their concerns when they find talking difficult.
Our first approach is always to listen. We take time to talk with the child, understand their feelings and experiences, and identify how best we can support them. We want every pupil to know that their voice matters and that they do not have to face their worries alone.
Our Christian ethos is central to the care we provide. We believe in the power of prayer and offer prayer support to children and families where appropriate. Children are also held in prayer during staff meetings, reflecting our commitment to caring for the whole child – emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually.
A Range of Support and Interventions
We recognise that every child is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional wellbeing. Depending on a child’s individual needs, we offer a range of supportive strategies and interventions, including:
- Drawing and Talking Therapy – provided by Mrs Ozenbrook, who is trained in Drawing and Talking Therapy and holds a Level 2 qualification in Christian counselling.
- Music Therapy – supportive music-based activities with Mrs Salloway, who holds a Level 3 qualification in Christian counselling.
- Lego Therapy – providing opportunities to develop communication, social interaction, confidence and emotional expression through structured play.
- Sensory Circuits and Calming Resources – helping children to regulate their emotions, manage sensory needs and develop strategies to feel calm and ready to learn.
- Emotional Wellbeing Resources – including resources from The Children’s Society, which help children explore, understand and navigate difficult emotions. Explore The Children’s Society wellbeing resources.
We are also committed to developing our understanding of the experiences that can affect children’s emotional wellbeing. Mrs Ozenbrook and Miss Wistow have both completed training in a trauma-informed approach, helping us to respond to children’s needs with understanding, sensitivity and compassion.
Every Child Known, Every Child Valued
At KCS, we want every child to know that they are loved, that they belong and that there is always someone ready to listen. By combining strong relationships, practical support and the love of Jesus, we aim to provide an environment where children can grow in confidence, develop emotional resilience and flourish.
