The happiness and wellbeing of our students is a high priority at Birkenhead School. Within the Prep we pride ourselves on the level and layers of pastoral support offered in these formative years.
A Happy Mind School
Birkenhead school is proud to be a myHappymind School. myHappymind is a whole school programme grounded in science and dedicated to building positive mental wellbeing. The programme helps children understand how their brains work and creates a culture that helps to build children’s resilience, confidence and self-esteerm. myHappymind also teaches children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions in stressful times, allowing them to be their best selves.
MYHAPPYMIND PARENT APP INFORMATION
Learn More About myHappymind
MyHappymind modules:
Meet Your Brain: Understanding how your brain works and how to ensure we look after it so that
we can manage our emotions and be at our best. Growth mindset is a key part of this too.
Celebrate: Understanding your unique Character Strengths and learning to celebrate them. This is
a fantastic module for building self-esteem.
Appreciate: Understanding why gratitude matters and how you can develop gratitude as a habit.
Gratitude is key to well-being and resilience and we’re all about making it a lifelong strategy!
Relate: Understanding why positive relationships matter and how to build them. We’re focussed on
the building blocks of good relationships and friendships.
Engage: Understanding how to set meaningful goals that matter and how to stay resilient in times
of challenge. This module is all about building self-esteem and resilience too
Pastoral Support In Prep
We place great importance and value on the pastoral support offered to all students in Prep. Our close-knit community allows us to get to know students well and help guide and support them during these early formative years. As well as the wider pastoral support network in the wider school, bespoke and tailored pastoral advice and guidance is offered within Prep through a multi-layered approach.
Form Teachers & Smaller Class Sizes
Form teachers develop excellent relationships with pupils within smaller class settings. Teachers get to know each child well and are able to fully support them, understanding their individual strengths and what makes them ‘tick’, as well as being able to identify when they may need extra help or support. The smaller setting allows children plenty of opportunities to express their opinions and feelings, as well as helping them feel confident to contribute to class discussions.
School Chaplain
The School Chaplain plays an important role in the spiritual and personal development of pupils. As well as the formal contact children have through Chapel services and assemblies, the Chaplain is also available to talk to pupils and offer guidance and support.
School Nurse
The School Nurse is based within the Prep and offers invaluable support and assistance with medical problems and accidents across the School and is also available for pupils to consult on a confidential basis should they wish to discuss any other concerns.
Pastoral Support in Prep
House System
Within Prep, the four Houses of Shrewsbury, Kingsmead, Bidston and Beresford offer students camaraderie as well as opportunities to make friendships across the School and build up a wider network outside of their year groups.
Time to Talk Group
For our Reception to Year 1 pupils, a ‘Time to Talk’ group is offered at lunchtimes during the week and is a time for children to develop their speaking skills and self-confidence.
Nurture Group
Nurture Group runs during lunchtimes and children choose to attend the group if there are any particular areas or issues they would like to talk about or if they need any support. The School Nurse follows up with any children who may need extra time or support.
Buddy Bench
Within Little School playground, home to our Infants (Reception to Year 2), our Buddy Bench offers children a place to sit if they are on their own and would like someone to play with them.
Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE)
Our programme of Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) covers a wide range of topics, many of which are closely related to pastoral matters such as attitudes to others, relationships and bullying.
