Wellbeing

WELLBEING NEWS

Understanding and Addressing Primary School Refusal

Primary school refusal, where young students have trouble attending school regularly due to emotional distress, is a challenge that many families face. This reluctance is often rooted in anxiety or fear rather than deliberate defiance. To support students dealing with this issue, open communication between parents, teachers, and school wellbeing team is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help manage and overcome school refusal:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Create a predictable daily schedule to help your child feel secure and prepared for school each day.
2. Gradual Exposure: Start with short school visits or partial days to help your child gradually adjust to the school environment.
3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Talk to your child about their feelings and fears. Listen actively and provide reassurance without minimizing their concerns.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes and efforts towards attending school and provide positive reinforcement to boost your child's confidence.
5. Collaborate with School: Work closely with teachers and wellbeing team to develop a plan that supports your child’s needs and monitors their progress.
6. Create a Comforting Routine: Develop calming pre-school routines, such as reading a favourite book or enjoying a special breakfast, to make mornings less stressful.

If you notice signs of school refusal in your child, please reach out to our Wellbeing team for additional guidance and resources. Together, we can work to ensure every child feels supported and engaged in their learning journey.

Supporting Your Child Through Peer Pressure and Building Resilience

Navigating peer pressure is a common challenge for students, particularly as they grow older and face new social dynamics. Helping your child develop resilience and coping strategies is crucial in managing these pressures effectively. Below are our favourite tips to pass on to your children:

1. Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their experiences and concerns. Encourage them to share any instances of peer pressure they encounter and listen without judgment.
2. Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice different scenarios with your child where they might face peer pressure. Role-playing can help them develop and rehearse appropriate responses and strategies.
3. Building Self-Esteem: Help your child build confidence by recognizing their strengths and achievements. Strong self-esteem can empower them to make choices aligned with their values, rather than succumbing to peer influence.

Wellbeing Groups

This week, our wellbeing groups are discussing the impact that kindness can have on our school community. Through fun activities and meaningful discussions, students are discovering how small acts of kindness—like saying thank you, helping a friend, or simply listening—can make a big difference in everyone’s day. Students have noticed that when they practice kindness, they not only improve someone else’s day but also experience increased feelings of happiness and satisfaction themselves.