Mental Health and Wellbeing
‘From small beginnings come great things’ – Matthew 13:31–32
At Cadmore End, children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are central to everything we do. We understand that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, understood and connected to the adults and children around them.
We are committed to being a trauma-informed and attachment-aware school. We recognise that children’s experiences can affect their emotions, behaviour, relationships and readiness to learn. Our approach is grounded in compassion, consistency and curiosity, while maintaining clear routines, boundaries and high expectations for every child.
Our Relational Approach
We understand that all behaviour is communication. Rather than focusing only on what a child has done, we seek to understand what the child may be communicating and what support they need.
Our staff use:
- PACE: Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy
- The 5Rs: Recognise, Regulate, Reflect, Repair and Reconnect
- Co-regulation and emotionally available adults
- Restorative conversations and relational repair
- Predictable routines, clear expectations and appropriate adjustments
- Nurture, movement, sensory and emotional-regulation strategies where needed
This does not mean that inappropriate behaviour is overlooked. Children are supported to understand the impact of their choices, repair relationships and reconnect positively with the school community.
Supporting Our Children
Our whole-school provision includes trusted adults, emotional check-ins, PSHE and Relationships and Health Education, Forest School, nurture support, opportunities for movement and regulation, pupil leadership and access to calm or sensory spaces where appropriate.
When a child requires additional support, we work closely with the child and their family to identify their strengths, needs and appropriate next steps. Support may include regular check-ins, reasonable adjustments, individual or small-group interventions, a Wellbeing Plan or advice from external professionals.
We work closely with Buckinghamshire’s Mental Health Support Team, the Virtual School and other relevant services to provide appropriate support for pupils and families.
Mrs Groom and Mrs Hazell are the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leads. Parents and carers who have concerns about their child’s emotional wellbeing are encouraged to speak to their child’s class teacher, Mrs Groom or Mrs Hazell.
Our Policies
Our policies explain how we promote positive mental health, identify concerns, provide appropriate support and use relational and trauma-informed practice throughout the school.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy 2026–2027
This policy explains our whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, early identification, targeted support, safeguarding, Wellbeing Plans and partnership with families and external services. - Relational Policy 2026–2027
This policy explains how positive relationships, PACE, co-regulation and the 5Rs underpin our approach to behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion.
Wellbeing Newsletters
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Newsletters provide families with helpful information, practical strategies and details of available support.