Mindfulness & Wellbeing

Mindfulness, Mental Health and Wellbeing at Barnston

Rationale

At Barnston Primary School, we are dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every child and family in our community. Just as we care for children’s physical health, we believe their emotional wellbeing is equally important. When children feel safe, happy, and valued, they are ready to learn, thrive and feel empowered.

We aim to:

  • help children understand and talk about their feelings;

  • create a safe and caring environment where they can share worries;

  • encourage kindness, friendships, and positive relationships;

  • build confidence and celebrate individuality;

  • support children through challenges and help them develop resilience; and

  • maintain a zero-tolerance approach to bullying..

Support in School

Our role at Barnston Primary School is to ensure that every student feels supported, understood, and valued. In school, we feel passionately about children’s well-being so we lead programs such as Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA) to help children develop their emotional awareness and resilience. Through initiatives like LEGO Therapy, we foster teamwork and communication skills while allowing children to express themselves creatively. We also implement Drawing and Talking therapy, which provides a safe space for students to process their feelings through art. Additionally, we facilitate the Next Steps program, focusing on goal-setting and personal development. Another tool in our toolkit is Monkey Bob, a therapeutic resource that helps manage anxiety and big emotions. Together, these strategies create a nurturing environment that promotes both academic success and emotional well-being.

Wirral Mental Health Team

We also work closely with the Wirral Mental Health Support Team (MHST), who provide early help for children experiencing mild to moderate emotional difficulties. Their practitioners also support our whole-school approach to positive mental health.

MyHappyMind Programme

Across the school, we follow the MyHappyMind programme to help children learn about their brains, develop healthy habits, and build resilience. It gives children the confidence and skills they need to thrive and feel empowered — both now and in the future.

YogaBears

In F2 and Key Stage 1, YogaBears brings wellness to life through the magic of chakra-inspired superpowers. Each of the 7 YogaBears represents one of the body’s seven chakras, encouraging children to explore mindfulness in a fun and engaging way. Sessions are carefully tailored to suit each age group, combining yoga and pilates in playful, dynamic sequences that support physical development, focus, and emotional wellbeing. With a whimsical approach to mindfulness, YogaBears helps children feel calm, joyful, and ready to embrace their day.