Wellbeing and Emotional Support at Pennine Way

At Pennine Way Primary School, the wellbeing of our children is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that happy, healthy children are better able to learn, thrive and achieve their full potential. The primary years are a crucial time for developing confidence, resilience and positive mental health, and we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported.

Our Wellbeing Centre, Dingley Dell, plays a central role in our school community. Working closely with families, staff and external agencies, we provide a range of support to help children overcome challenges, build resilience and develop the skills they need to manage their emotions successfully.

As a school, we recognise that children may experience difficulties with their emotional wellbeing at different points in their lives. Our dedicated team works proactively to identify needs early and provide the right support at the right time. This support is part of a whole-school approach, with our SEND, Safeguarding, Attendance and Wellbeing teams working together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

We are proud to offer:

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) provision, helping children understand and manage their emotions, develop positive relationships and build confidence.
• EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) support, working closely with children and families to improve attendance, reduce anxiety and ensure a positive connection with school.
• The Butterflies Class, which provides a quieter and more nurturing start to the school day for some children who benefit from additional emotional wellbeing support and a calm transition into learning.
• Individual and small-group wellbeing interventions tailored to children's needs.
• Learning mentor support and attendance support for pupils and families.
• Opportunities for mindfulness, reflection and emotional regulation strategies throughout the school day.
• Regular "brain breaks" and wellbeing activities to support concentration, learning and positive mental health.

Mental health and wellbeing are embedded throughout our curriculum and daily school life. We encourage children to talk openly about their feelings, seek help when needed and develop healthy coping strategies. Through assemblies, classroom activities, Personal Development learning and pastoral support, children learn that looking after their mental health is just as important as looking after their physical health.

Above all, Pennine Way is a family. We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our children and families and creating a culture of kindness, understanding and support. By working together, we help our children grow into confident, resilient and successful young people who are ready for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Meet the Dingley Dell Team:

• Mrs Naylor - Wellbeing Manager
• Miss Moxon - Learning Mentor
• Mrs McCormick - Attendance and Wellbeing Officer
• Mrs Mitchell - SENDCo and Inclusion Lead
• Mr Beattie - Senior Mental Health Lead

If you would like further information about the support available through Dingley Dell, please contact the school office (office@pennineway.cumbri.sch.uk). We are always happy to help.