At St Matthias, wellbeing is central to how we support every child to thrive. We create a safe, inclusive environment where children feel valued, understood and ready to learn.
Our Approach
1) Relationships first
Strong relationships are at the heart of our school. Adults prioritise connection, consistency and care so that every child feels safe, known and supported. Positive relationships underpin behaviour, learning and wellbeing.
2) Inclusive and responsive practice
We understand that behaviour is a form of communication. Staff respond calmly and consistently, seeking to understand each child’s needs. Our approach is inclusive and adaptive, ensuring all pupils — including those with additional needs — can succeed.
3) Developing emotional literacy
Children are explicitly taught how to understand and manage their emotions. They learn to:
- recognise and name feelings
- understand how emotions affect their body and behaviour
- use strategies to regulate (e.g. breathing, movement, calm spaces, adult support)
- resolve conflict and repair relationships
4) A whole-school culture of wellbeing
Wellbeing is embedded across school life — through our curriculum, collective worship, PSHE/RSE, playtimes and enrichment. We promote resilience, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.
Mental Health Support (WAMHS)
We work in partnership with the Wellbeing and Mental Health in Schools (WAMHS) programme, part of the wider City & Hackney mental health support offer. This ensures access to early help, professional guidance and joined-up support for children and families.
A trained wellbeing clinician works with the school to:
- support staff in meeting pupils’ emotional needs
- provide advice and guidance for families
- help identify and access additional services where appropriate
If you would like support or advice, please contact the school office who can direct you to the appropriate member of staff.
Supporting Families
We work closely with parents and carers to support children’s wellbeing. This includes:
- opportunities to speak with staff about concerns
- workshops and informal sessions to support parenting and wellbeing
- signposting to trusted external services where needed
We encourage open communication and early support, so that concerns can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
Resources for Parents:
- Action For Children
This website is full of great resources for parents ranging from information on sleep, additional needs, and children’s behaviour. They also have a free and confidential live chat function with a parenting coach. - Kooth
This service is an online platform which provides free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support to children and young people age 11-18. - Scope
Scope is a charity with lots of resources for parents of children with additional needs. They also offer a free ‘sleep service’ which is an online intervention for parents of children with additional needs with sleep difficulties. - National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is a charity which provides lots of support, guidance and advice for families with children with autism. - Young Black Men Project
The YBMen Project is an educational and social support program for young Black men. This culturally-sensitive, age-appropriate, and gender-specific program provides wellbeing education and social support to young Black men.
Further Support
There are a range of local and national organisations that provide guidance and support for families around:
- mental health and wellbeing
- additional needs
- behaviour and routines
- sleep and family life
Please contact the school if you would like help accessing appropriate services.