Wellbeing
At Bassaleg School. We encourage kindness and resilience. We are proud of our young people and the ways in which they so brilliantly support each other. Young people are encouraged to recognise changes in their own wellbeing and are introduced to a range of approaches and strategies to enable them to support themselves. We also recognise that there are times when our strength and resilience is low. As a school community, we are all committed to supporting wellbeing and to offering a range of internal and external support where appropriate.
We have built our mental health agenda over time – we have a Mental Health Council to ensure that our young people have a voice regarding this important focus area. A vast array of interventions are also in place to support those most in need, but all school community members - young people, parents and carers and the school staff receive wellbeing and mental health support and awareness raising opportunities to ensure that they have the relevant skills to manage their own emotions and feelings.
Our large school staff are all members of the wellbeing team, but we do have a number of non-teaching staff who are specifically trained to support our young people, identifying their needs and offering appropriate, bespoke interventions. They work alongside the Director/Deputy Director/Assistant Director of Wellbeing who are attached to each year group, ensuring that there is effective support and guidance for all those in their care.
Five ways to Wellbeing
‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ sit at our core and is shared with all of our young people. Our school works very closely with a wide variety of outside agencies and interventions that provide a comprehensive range of support:
One to one meetings, counselling sessions, resilience building, group sessions, whole year group training on mental health, LGBT+, ‘saying No to racism’, antibullying, substance misuse, self-harm etc.
We also have a very strong and positive relationship with Newport Mind, who are heavily involved with various Mental Health initiatives and this year we have funded Toby Groves, our Newport Mind Mental Health Practitioner to be part of our staff and to be based on site for three days a week. Toby is supporting our young people and staff who are also able to meet with him for one to one sessions. Toby, with other team members from Mind engage with our parents and carers with Mental Health virtual and face to face meetings to offer guidance and raise awareness on various topics, offering strategies to help them support themselves and their child.
PSHE
Personal Social and Health Education
Wednesday Wellbeing Club
01
What is it?
A brand NEW after-school club to focus on YOUR wellbeing - whether to meet up with friends, or learn a little bit more about how we look after ourselves.
02
Who can join?
Anyone can join in Year 8 or Year 9. There will be alternating weeks, so please check with Miss Vaughan if you’re not sure.
03
What will we be doing?
Anything and everything from mindful colouring, having some quiet time, listening to music, reading, discussions - anything that can make us feel connected with ourselves and each other. There may even be the odd biscuit or two!
04
I want to join, how do I start?
Year 8 can come along from the
10th November, Year 9 on the 17th November. Just let your parents
know and let your DOW/DDOW/Form tutor/Miss Vaughan know that you would like to join and meet Miss Vaughan in G4 at 3pm on your
start date. Club will finish at 4pm.
05
Do I need to bring anything?
Not at all! Just yourselves and remember to practise kindness and consideration to all involved in the club. Miss Vaughan looks forward to seeing you soon!
