PWA-St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School - Strabane-BT82 8HT-12/Nov/2024

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School is dedicated to promoting physical and mental health, reflecting its holistic and dynamic approach to pupil wellbeing. While developing a Pupil Wellbeing Policy, the school prioritised pupils' health, running awareness campaigns like Children’s Mental Health Week, Anti-Bullying Week, and Internet Safety Day. These initiatives have reduced stigma and fostered open conversations. Feedback shows that pupils feel their voices are heard, and parents appreciate access to wellbeing resources through newsletters and the website. There has been increased awareness and support among students.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School has made a strong impact by offering targeted support to promote emotional wellbeing. Through the Drawing & Talking Therapy programme, pupils with specific needs receive tailored guidance, building confidence and emotional coping skills. The implementation of PATHS has further enhanced pupils' ability to self-regulate, benefiting the classroom environment. The school provides Calm Areas and Sensory Rooms, creating safe spaces for pupils to manage their feelings and feedback highlights that there has been significant improvements in self-esteem, emotional expression, and regulation.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School promotes emotional health and wellbeing across the curriculum through various effective programmes.Initiatives such as Christian Meditation, ReNew You, and Positive Me introduce mindfulness, relaxation, and wellbeing activities that have enhanced pupils' understanding of personal health.School productions have boosted confidence and self-esteem.There has been positive feedback from pupils and staff, as seen in the school-wide participation in productions and the beneficial effects of mindfulness lessons.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School promotes physical health and wellbeing inclusively through activities like the Daily Mile, involving all pupils and staff. This whole-school initiative has fostered confidence and self-esteem among students, with teachers observing improvements in pupils’ focus, work quality, and concentration. The CORE Kids programme and regular physical breaks contribute to a fun and engaging school day, enhancing overall pupil development. Participation in active travel initiatives, like the Sustrans Big Wheel and Walk, has increased physical activity, with surveys showing significant progress.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School ensures that pupils know where to access support by displaying safeguarding posters and photos in every classroom, highlighting trusted adults. Informative displays, including Childline resources, guide pupils and parents on reporting concerns. Worry Boxes in each class and the Moodtracker tool has allowed students to express feelings discreetly, alerting teachers.Recent updates to safeguarding displays and surveys have shown positive responses from pupils and parents, with students effectively using these tools and gaining valuable skills in safety and wellbeing.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School has equipped staff with tools to support pupil wellbeing through extensive training and resources. The Nurture in Five Programme has empowered teachers and assistants with effective emotional health strategies, fostering a positive impact on pupils. Yearly CPD updates on safeguarding ensure staff are well-versed in referral protocols and confident with reporting procedures and processes.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School effectively supports parents in understanding and addressing their children’s wellbeing needs. The Wellbeing Area on the school website provides accessible health tips and resources, which parents have found informative and valuable. Regular updates and signposts to services like RISE NI and Parentline NI offer families external support as needed. Nursery teachers collaborate closely with families of vulnerable pupils through programmes like Schools for Hope and Getting Ready to Learn. Feedback shows that parents appreciate these resources, using them to build skills and strategies to support their child’s wellbeing.

St Catherine's Primary and Nursery School empowers pupils to lead wellbeing initiatives by making wellbeing a standing item in School Council meetings. This inclusion ensures students feel their voices are valued. The school has introduced various wellbeing activities, including Moodtrackers, Christian Meditation, and Neuronimo, alongside recognising positive behaviour through the Wellbeing Pupil of the Month Award. An intergenerational project saw Year 7 pupils work with an elderly dementia group, creating art and fostering connections. PASS analysis revealed a marked improvement in pupils' attitudes towards school and self, highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives.