Wellbeing
At Kidgate Academy, the wellbeing of our children is at the heart of school life. We want every child to feel safe, valued, listened to and proud to belong to our school community. We recognise that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and supported, and we therefore place the same importance on their emotional and physical wellbeing as we do on their academic development.
We help children to understand themselves, recognise and talk about their feelings, build positive relationships and develop the confidence and resilience to manage life’s challenges. Through our Personal Development curriculum, assemblies, classroom conversations and everyday school life, children are given regular opportunities to develop their self-awareness, independence and understanding of how to look after themselves and others.
Our school values of Kindness, Respect and Resilience underpin everything we do. We encourage children to show care and consideration towards others, celebrate their individual strengths and understand that everyone experiences difficulties at times. Children are encouraged to talk to trusted adults when they have worries or need support, knowing that they will be listened to and treated with care.
We also recognise that wellbeing is supported by many aspects of school life. Opportunities for Active Play, physical activity, creativity, friendships, leadership, time outdoors and positive experiences beyond the classroom all contribute to helping children feel connected and confident. We want our pupils to develop healthy habits and practical strategies that they can carry with them throughout their childhood and into the future.
Our approach is not simply about responding when children are finding things difficult. We aim to create a culture where wellbeing is talked about openly, positive relationships are valued and every child knows that they matter. Where additional support is needed, we work closely with children, families and appropriate professionals to ensure that children receive the right help at the right time.
Above all, we want every child at Kidgate Academy to feel that they belong, they are listened to and they can be themselves. By nurturing positive wellbeing alongside learning, we are helping our children to grow kind hearts, curious minds and the resilience and confidence to thrive.