Wellbeing Information
Children's Mental Health Week
This year for Children’s Mental Health week, the theme was belonging. At the start of the week we held a collective worship discussing belonging; what it means and how and where we feel we belong. In classes during the week the children interviewed each other to find out more about their friends; what they do outside of school, what they like and what their favourite things are. Each child then used their friends’ answers to design their own belonging slide. These pieces will now be put together to make our own stained glass window outside the Elsa room.
During Mrs Elwes’ well-being club the children designed their own hearts, completing them with positive affirmations “I am kind, I am smart, I am helpful…” this has been one of the most popular activities and the children love seeing them on display in the Elsa room.
Wellbeing Group
Term 4 2025-26
This term in Well-being club we have been looking at friendship; what it means to be a good friend and how we can be good friends. The children have had great discussions about the characteristics of a good friend, including kindness and inclusion. We have completed word searches and made some friendship fortune tellers; the children either designed their own or coloured some pre-made ones. This has been such a great topic and really has got the children talking and being more conscious and aware of being kind. All children are welcome to our Thursday lunchtime well-being club and a great mix of ages take part and enjoy the different activities.
Term 3 2025-26
This term our lunchtime Wellbeing club have been looking at
understanding empathy. We have designed empathy umbrellas and what we might say to our friends if they are feeling sad. Some great
ideas of “Do you want to play with me?”, “Can I sit with you?” and “Let’s talk about it together”, were discussed. Simply being there for a
friend when they’re feeling down can make the world of difference and stop any loneliness they may be feeling.
Meet Our Guinea Pigs
Term 4 2025-26
This term we have continued to get to know our piggies, Olive and Hazel. The girls are really growing and love to have cuddles, especially Olive. Each morning we change their water, give them fresh greens and dry food and some little treats. Twice a week the children help at lunchtime to clean the girlies out; they clean their cage;, change the sawdust and rearrange the layout of their home. The best part is playing “catch the Guinea pigs” at the end of the session. Tricks to get them out include using celery to lure them out. We have some fabulous, enthusiastic helpers and special Guinea pig stickers are a great reward for their time spent with the girls.
Term 3 2025-26
On the afternoon of Friday 16th January 2026, Darwin had the pleasure of entertaining our two new Guinea Pigs and cleaning out their cage. We all had a chance to hold and/or stroke them while other children in the class did a fantastic job of clearing out their old bedding (yes, the poo too) and then cleaning their cage, bowls and pots.
Once everyone had had a chance to hold or stroke them, and their cage was sparkling, we explored what they need in their cage and why each part is important for them. We put in new bedding, straw, cardboard to chew on and filled their food and snack bowls.
Finally, we put them back in their nice, clean cage and let them explore their new surroundings. We covered them up with the blanket to keep them warm and cosy and let them have some peace after an exciting afternoon!
Meet Our Guinea Pigs
This term we have introduced two new friends to our St Bartholomew’s family; Hazel and Olive. The children love to visit the Guinea pigs and help to look after them. We change their water, top up their food and straw and have cuddles every day. The Guinea pigs are great therapy animals and have been a great help for any children who may sometimes need a bit of space to think and unwind.
