All children need to feel safe and comfortable in  their environment in order to learn well and we pride ourselves on the work we have done to ensure that all of our children are supported.  Ellingham is an Attachment Aware school, which means that all staff have been trained to recognise children who are facing emotional difficulties and understand strategies to help the children through tricky times.  Key to this is having trusted adults in school, positive relationships with all staff, being listened to with kindness and understanding and  feeling supported by classmates where appropriate. 

To build such a culture Mrs Sephton, Mrs Malherbe and Mrs Davis lead as part of the Inclusion and Pupil Support Team.  A fortnightly well-being assembly reinforces the strategies for managing emotional struggles and all teachers and children practice the principles of Zones of Regulation.  All of the children know that they can request Talk-Talk time if they feel worried. Parents can also request staff check-ins if they are concerned about something that is happening at home that might impact their child or other concerns. The team supports children by helping them recognise emotions, raise self-esteem, develop social skills and friendship skills, understand and manage their anger and cope with loss and bereavement and they may be offered sessions from Mrs Davis or Mrs Malherbe as Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA). 

If children are facing more extensive trauma or attachment issues, we make a referral to the Mental Health Support Team, who are linked to our school, and have access to creative therapies for children and support for parents whose children are experiencing low mood or anxiety.

Please contact pupilsupport@elp.rbksch.org or directly Mrs Sephton, Mrs Malherbe and Mrs Davis to talk through any worries you may have throughout your child’s time at Ellingham Primary School.