At Thurleigh Primary we believe that good mental health and wellbeing goes hand in hand with learning. Our aim is to give our pupils the skills and strategies needed for life-long good mental health. With this in mind we have surveyed our pupils to see what they feel would make them 'feel good' following several lockdowns and a very challenging year for all. They were unanimous in deciding that they would like to carry on with many of the new skills they had acquired at home, such as cooking, gardening, and creative activities. With this in mind we have introduced 'Well-Being Wednesdays' - this is where children are offered a choice of activities for enrichment, such as cooking, sewing, model making, lego and art activities in addition to our curriculum. We have also listened when they have told us that they would like 'more clubs' and we are now offering a wider range.

We also have a resident mental health ambassador, Jo Mummery, who works across the Federation to deliver workshops, host 'Chat Club' and provide general support and strategies to those in need.

We are visited by Bedford Blues Rugby Club as part of their community commitment towards supporting local schools. Adam or Matt visit us weekly to provide the following:

Mentoring Scheme: Help support students who have behavioural challenges or need a male role model outside the classroom to help engagement.Wellbeing is at the core of the mentoring scheme.

Lunchtime Clubs: They oversee and manage playground games in a safe environment. Encourage children to be active at lunch and promote a healthy atmosphere through team games

Rugby & Reading: This engages children in the benefits of reading,  whilst participating in sport.It improves confidence, engagement, behaviour and proves a strong link between classroom and values of sport.

In addition, we believe in Growth Mindset and want our children to feel that 'School is a safe place to make mistakes.'