Wellbeing Support at West Monmouth School

At West Monmouth School, we believe that learners can only achieve academically if they first feel safe, happy and cared for and so we have invested heavily in a dedicated wellbeing team to help support our pupils. 

We are committed to providing a safe, happy and supportive learning environment for all learners.  Our school ethos and curriculum ensure that learners are educated in how to look after themselves, and of the importance of keeping safe and healthy.

Wellbeing is defined as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.”

Wellbeing provision at West Monmouth School is led by the Assistant Headteacher, and he has a team of staff who help provide care, support and guidance for all of our learners. 

This team comprises five Heads of Learning; one for each year group, who lead a team of form tutors.  There are also Pastoral Support Officers in place for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. 

Hafan Well-being provision

At West Monmouth School, the wellbeing of our learners is at the heart of everything we do. Hafan is our dedicated internal wellbeing provision, providing targeted emotional, social and pastoral support to help learners thrive both in school and beyond.

Led by our Hafan Well-being Manager and overseen by the Assistant Headteacher, the Hafan team consists of three trained members of staff who work closely with learners, families, school staff and external agencies to provide personalised support when it is needed most. Our aim is to help learners feel safe, supported and ready to learn by developing resilience, confidence, emotional literacy and positive relationships.

Hafan offers a wide range of evidence-informed interventions and programmes, including Trauma Informed Schools (TIS), ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) provision, Forest Schools, mentoring, attendance and emotionally based school avoidance support, transition programmes, anti-anxiety interventions, bereavement and loss support through our partnership with Sandy Bear, friendship and social skills development, self-esteem and confidence building, anger management, emotional regulation support, resilience programmes and targeted workshops around bullying and restorative approaches.

Through a nurturing, learner-centred approach, Hafan provides a safe space where young people can build the skills, strategies and confidence they need to overcome challenges, engage positively with school life and achieve their full potential.

Supporting wellbeing, building resilience and helping every learner belong, achieve and succeed.

School Counselling Service

West Monmouth School works in partnership with CCYP (Children and Young People's Counselling Service) to provide learners with access to qualified school counsellors who offer confidential, professional support. Counselling can help learners explore a range of personal, emotional or social difficulties in a safe, non-judgemental environment, supporting their wellbeing and mental health.

Learners can self-refer to the counselling service by speaking to their KS3 or KS4 Pastoral Support Officer, who will guide them through the referral process. Referrals can also be made by staff, parents/carers or external agencies where appropriate.

Our counselling service forms an important part of the school's wider commitment to ensuring every learner feels supported, valued and able to thrive.

Partnership with External Agencies

At West Monmouth School, we recognise that some learners may benefit from additional specialist support beyond that available within school. We work closely with a range of external agencies and professionals to provide targeted interventions that support learners' emotional wellbeing, mental health, attendance, behaviour, family circumstances and additional learning needs.

Through strong partnerships with local authority services, health professionals, counselling services and community organisations, we are able to help ensure that learners and families receive the right support at the right time.

If you feel your child may benefit from additional support, please speak to their Head of Learning, who will be able to discuss your concerns, provide advice and, where appropriate, coordinate access to further support services.

Working together to ensure every learner is supported to achieve, thrive and succeed.