Wellbeing
I am Mrs Waterman, the Wellbeing Lead at Lessness Heath Primary School. In my role, I provide comprehensive wellbeing support throughout the school to ensure that every child feels secure and valued in their school environment.
At Lessness Heath Primary School, we are fully committed to fostering the emotional health and wellbeing of each child. By promoting wellbeing, building resilience, and supporting positive mental health, we aim to enhance the life opportunities of our students. Prioritising wellbeing enables children to reach their full potential, as it allows them to feel safe and supported in their relationships. This, in turn, creates new avenues for learning and personal growth. Therefore, placing wellbeing at the heart of our school’s values is paramount.
Meet the team:
Mrs Waterman – Wellbeing Lead
Miss Osborne – Play Therapist
Mrs Hearn – Child Welfare & Safeguarding lead
Mrs Freeman – Inclusion Lead
How we support social and emotional development at Lessness Heath Primary School:
Designated safe spaces
Classroom Wellbeing Area
A wellbeing area in every classroom helps children understand and manage their emotions.
Sensory Room
We have a sensory room which provides children with a safe space to regulate their emotions.
Reading Cafe
We are proud to offer a welcoming and nurturing reading café, which is accessible to children throughout the day. This space provides a calm and secure environment, allowing children to engage in quiet reading or reflection. Additionally, we run a Lunchtime Chill Out Club within the reading café, offering students a peaceful space to relax and unwind during their lunch break.
Mrs Waterman's Room
Mrs. Waterman’s room is designed as a calm and safe space where children can retreat when experiencing strong emotions or simply wish to have a conversation or greet someone. This space offers a supportive environment where students can feel heard and find comfort.
Paw Power
Allow us to introduce our therapy dog, Lola. Lola is a beloved companion who enjoys offering cuddles and receiving affection from both the children and staff at Lessness Heath. She plays a significant role in helping to settle and regulate students, providing comfort and support when needed.
Positive impacts of having:
Lowers anxiety and decreases agitation
Provides comfort
Reduces loneliness
Builds communication gaps
Enhance self-esteem
Makes learning fun
Wellbeing Ambassadors
At Lessness Heath, we have designated two Wellbeing Ambassadors in each class from Years 2 to 6. These students meet once a week to discuss and brainstorm ideas for promoting wellbeing across the school. Their suggestions may include initiatives for the playground, events, classroom activities, and overall strategies to enhance the wellbeing of all students.
Play Therapist
I'm Miss Osborne, and I'm the Play Therapist at Lessness Heath. My job is to support children in a way that feels safe and fun. Sometimes, it's hard for children to express themselves and put challenges into words, and that's where Play Therapy comes in! Through Play Therapy children can express themselves and together, we can work through any worries or challenges. By using toys, games, art, and storytelling, children can explore their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural to them. I work with children both individually and in small groups, providing a supportive space where they can express themselves freely.
ELSA and Draw & Talk
We have trained practitioners who deliver both ELSA and drawing and talking interventions in school. These interventions allow children to explore their emotional world in a safe and confidential space.
Zones of Regulation
It is key that children do not identify zones as good or bad – as it is important for the children to understand they can feel a range of these emotions in any day. It is just that some emotions are comfortable and some are uncomfortable.
Draw and Talk
Staff have been trained to deliver Draw and Talk sessions. This enables children to explore their emotional world through drawing.
For more information about Draw and Talk please visit: https://drawingandtalking.com
Emotionally Available Adult
At Lessness Heath, we have designated key adults who are part of the Emotionally Available Adult (AAA) initiative. These adults are paired with specific children, providing them with a trusted adult to check in with on a weekly basis. This arrangement offers children a safe and supportive space to discuss any concerns, share their work, and address any worries or fears they may have.
Support for Parents
Lessness CAN
Lessness CAN is our school community food bank, offering weekly food packages to our most vulnerable families. This discreet and confidential service is available to all families, with no specific criteria to meet. If you need assistance, please feel free to email wellbeing@lessnessheath.bexley.sch.uk
Parent Support
Curious Cubs – 0-4 years to Lessness Heath parents every other Monday 9-10am
MHST (Mental Health Support Team) work closely with the school to provide support to children and families. https://www.bexleylocaloffer.uk/Page
Coffee mornings – Please see the school diary dates.
Lessness CAN
If you require any more information for parent support please email wellbeing@lessnessheath.bexley.sch.uk
Who should I contact to discuss any concerns or needs of my child in school?
Class Teacher or Phase Leader
If you have any concerns about your child you should speak to the class teacher or phase leader first.
Tel: 01322433290
Email admin@lessnessheath.bexley.sch.uk
If you feel your child requires further support please contact Mrs Waterman, who will talk to you about internal and external wellbeing support.
Useful Links
Staff Wellbeing
At Lessness Heath, we believe a happy and healthy workforce is vital for the success of our students and community. The charter underpins our determination to ensure that our school is a great place to work and to improve the work-life balance for teaching staff.