Forget buzzwords, how do we really boost mental health and wellbeing in education? Well, firstly, to be effective, it has to be a whole school approach – which means a cohesive and joined-up strategy across all areas of the school. This is why Somerhill School has introduced several schemes to ensure that wellbeing is woven into the very fabric of everyday school life. Somerhill’s Deputy Head, Sian Lambert, oversees Pastoral care, as well as being Sectional Lead at Derwent Lodge. Here she talks us through 5 key examples:

1. EFFECTIVE USE OF OUTDOORS

Sitting in 150 acres of glorious parkland, outdoor life is not simply just an add-on or token gesture at Somerhill. Teachers will take any opportunity to bring the curriculum alive outdoors, in the magnificent school grounds. Last year (2022) they introduced a brilliant new outdoor programme called Saplings, a full day in the woods for Pre-School pupils based on the principles of Forest School.

Lambert says: ‘In our Pre-Prep the Headteacher takes the view that whatever the weather, sessions at Saplings offer an opportunity to help children develop their common sense, team spirit and initiative as they lead their own learning in the big outdoors.’

Saplings sets the tone for creating confidence and comfort in the outdoors that lasts a lifetime at Somerhill. ‘Sapling learning takes place in the outdoor woodland area with facilities to support self-care, clean running water, a Yurt for protection when needed, and plenty of nature to inspire curious minds. Our Forest School accredited staff and qualified EYFS teachers provide fun, safe happy days in the outside classroom all year round.’

2. PUPIL VOICE

When a young person is trying to navigate a big world, nothing is more important to them than being able to voice their questions and concerns – and to know that someone is listening.

The school council provides a platform for pupils to propose ideas – which in turn are very much taken into account, being central in decision making at Somerhill. Headteachers and their deputies respond to these proposals and consider them in how the school is run. By encouraging pupils to express views in a constructive way, children realise they have the power to bring about positive change.

Both Somerhill Pre-Prep and Prep have a school council that meets regularly. Lambert says: ‘In the Pre-Prep, school council representatives proudly wear their badges and take on their roles and responsibilities with pleasure, their duties include supporting children during playtimes and lunch times in the dining hall.’

3. SPORTS FOR ALL

Sport and physical activity can be an integral part of boosting wellbeing. It’s been well-documented that as well as promoting physical development, sport encourages and inspires teamwork, resilience and confidence.

Lambert says: ‘At Somerhill we offer many opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide variety of sports, including cricket, football, rugby, netball, hockey, cross-country, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, judo, triathlon and aquathlon. All participation is celebrated equally and pupils at all ability levels and ages have match experience.’

The school’s comprehensive sports programme makes full use of the facilities – which are pretty extensive. Including a 25m swimming pool, cricket, rugby and football pitches, cricket nets, athletics track, astro-turf, tennis/netball courts, zip wire and multi-purpose indoor sports hall. You get the idea. The school also has an enviable reputation in cross-country with our extensive grounds used to host regional events for boys and girls.

Lambert continues: ‘We hope to provide every pupil with a fun sporting experience at an appropriate level for their ability and age. All participation is celebrated equally and there are opportunities to be part of many different teams, all of which have match practice – with the chance to represent their school and experience the sense of pride that brings.’

4. DRAWING AND READING SCHEMES

A lot of thought has been put into imaginative ways that every day activities can work towards supporting a pupil’s wellbeing and boosting their self-esteem.

Somerhill has a school counsellor who works weekly with pupils who have particular pastoral care needs and all pupils have a strong bond with their form teachers. Staff are quick to spot if extra support is needed.

Lambert explains: ‘Sometimes a pupil who appears to be out-of-sorts will go to our Learning Support teachers for a course of “Drawing & Talking”. This is a gentle, non-intrusive method of working with children who need a little help processing their inner thoughts and feelings. It can assist in helping the child to understand how these might impact on their happiness and their ability to navigate life from day to day.’

5. BUDDY SYSTEMS

And for anyone who might feel more comfortable talking to an older child than a teacher there’s a very successful Buddy mentor system, where older pupils guide and advise younger ones. This is introduced to the Year 2s ahead of them moving up from the Pre-Prep to the Prep.

Lambert explains: ‘At the end of Year 2, children are buddied up with the Year 7 boys and Year 5 girls in the summer term and they spend some time getting to know them through play. Buddies are allocated in houses, so they have this extra sense of community. Once in Year 3, children spend various times with their buddies either at break, in house meetings or in the dining hall at lunch.’

Another new initiative that has just been implemented is Buddy Reading, pictured above, between Year 1 and Year 4. The Prep children head to the Pre-Prep each week, in their Tuesday morning break-time.

The older children support the younger children’s reading development and always enjoy finishing the session by reading aloud to a captive audience. Buddy Reading is a huge success evidenced by the vast majority of the Year 4 children choosing to return every week!

GO SEE FOR YOURSELF: At the Whole School Open Morning on Fri May 19 or Fri Oct 6 2023, 9am – 12pm. Visit the school in action where you will be given a tour of the school led by current pupils, see the facilities and meet senior staff for an informal chat. Places are limited, booking required.

Somerhill, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 0NJ, Tel: 01732 352 124