Well-being Team
A dedicated well-being team was created, which included a member of our senior leadership team, and a new attendance officer. Daily check-ins with pupils who were reluctant or who needed additional support to attend school were implemented by the team.
Trauma informed practice
Following an evaluation of provision, staff undertook professional learning focused on using trauma informed approaches and strategies intended to regulate and calm pupils. Staff awareness was raised around the importance of being emotionally available to pupils whenever required. The school trained two staff as trauma informed practitioners and Plasmarl Primary was awarded ‘Trauma and Mentally Healthy School’ status in 2022.
Enhanced alternative provision
The school’s Rainbow Room was created to provide a space for the most vulnerable pupils to access well-being support and intervention. The school identifies pupils most in need of help through family requests and using a range of well-being assessment tools. The ‘dark’ sensory room provides a safe and calming space for pupils to self-regulate.
The trauma informed practice used in the ‘Rainbow Room’ has three strands:
- Nurture
- 1:1 bespoke intervention
- Working with parents
An intervention group was established for pupils requiring additional provision as stated in their IDPs. The ‘Gwdihw’ group, for example, has a high staff to pupil ratio, enabling pupils to access the support they require and to work on their individual targets in a quieter and more structured environment.
Staff use sensory circuits daily. These are a series of activities that support the sensory needs of pupils and enable an inclusive learning environment.
A soft play area has been developed for pupils with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Use of this area encourages pupils’ development of fine and gross motor skills.
Family engagement
The school’s work with parents includes weekly themed coffee mornings where parents can meet and share experiences. Staff provide support focusing on topics such as attendance, budgeting and toileting. Parents benefit from a range of support networks such as monthly meetings for parents of children with ALN. As a result, parents are suitably informed about school procedures and how they can support their child at home.
