🌿 Wellbeing at Milton Court

Supporting Every Child, Every Day

At Milton Court Primary Academy, we believe that wellbeing is the foundation for learning, growth, and success. We are committed to nurturing not only the academic development of our pupils but also their emotional, social, and mental wellbeing. You will see in our most recent Ofsted Inspection that it is noted 'well-being is at the core of the school’s work'

💛 Our Approach to Wellbeing

We understand that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and supported. That’s why wellbeing is woven into the fabric of our school culture.

We promote wellbeing through:

• A caring and inclusive environment where every child feels they belong.

• Daily check-ins and emotional literacy activities.

• Dedicated staff trained in mental health awareness.

• PSHE curriculum that covers emotional health, friendships, resilience, and mindfulness.

• Zones of Regulation across the whole school to support children in understanding and managing their emotions.

• Anti-bullying strategies and restorative approaches to conflict.

🧠 Mental Health Support

We are proud to offer a range of mental health and emotional support services:

• FLO – Our dedicated FLO works closely with pupils, families, and staff.

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) – Providing 1:1 and small group emotional support.

• Thrive Approach – Used across the school to support children's emotional development.

• Links with external services – Including counselling, NELFT, and family support services.

🐾 Meet Our Therapy Dogs – Sonny, Scooby & Daphne !

At Milton Court, we believe in nurturing not just academic growth, but  

emotional well-being too. That’s why we’re proud to introduce three very special members of our school community: Sonny, Scooby and Daphne, our much-loved therapy dogs!

Sonny, Scooby and Daphne are gentle, friendly, and specially trained to support our pupils’ emotional health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a cuddle during a tough day, a calming presence during reading sessions, or simply a wagging tail to brighten up the morning, these wonderful dogs bring comfort and joy to both students and staff alike.

Benefits of our therapy dogs include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Encouraging positive behaviour and empathy

• Supporting reading confidence through our “Read to a Dog” sessions

• Helping students regulate their emotions and build resilience

Sonny, Scooby and Daphne are fully risk assessed and always

accompanied by trained staff. Their presence has already made a positive

difference across the school, and we’re excited for all the ways they’ll continue to help our children thrive.

🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness & Wellbeing Activities

We incorporate regular opportunities for mindfulness and reflection through:

• Yoga and calm breathing exercises

• Outdoor learning and nature walks

• Positive affirmations and gratitude journals

• Weekly wellbeing sessions

🤝 Supporting Families

We know that family wellbeing is vital to a child’s success. We offer:

• Open-door communication with the pastoral team

• Parent workshops on mental health and emotional support

• Signposting to external services and charities

• Coffee mornings and drop-in sessions for parents and carers

🌱 Our Green Room – A Sensory Space for Calm and Connection

At Milton Court Primary Academy, we’re proud to have our dedicated Green Room – a calm, nurturing sensory space designed to support children who need time to regulate, reset, or simply find peace in a busy school day.

The Green Room provides a safe, welcoming environment where pupils can:

• Take sensory breaks to help manage emotions and focus

• Use calming tools like soft lighting, sensory toys, weighted blankets, and quiet music

• Talk through feelings with a trusted adult

• Practice mindfulness, breathing, or grounding techniques

• Take part in structured emotional support sessions with one of our pastoral team or ELSA

Whether a child is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, overstimulated, or simply needs a quiet moment, the Green Room is there to provide support without judgement.

🧸 Who Can Use the Green Room?

The Green Room is available to:

• Children with sensory processing needs or neurodiverse profiles (e.g. autism, ADHD)

• Pupils experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or emotional difficulty

• Anyone who may benefit from a break in a calm, supportive space

We work closely with class teachers, families, and external professionals to ensure pupils receive the support they need, when they need it.

Calming Techniques

Try using the 'box breathing' technique this week and see if it relaxes you. The idea behind box breathing is that you measure your breath around the square shape. Breathe in slowly through the nose for four seconds. Hold for 4 seconds. Gently breathe out through the mouth for 4 seconds. Hold for 4 seconds and then repeat.

If it helps, trace your finger slowly around the picture here as you follow the instructions. 

Another great calming technique is 'grounding'. It is a way to get the individual to focus on the present moment using all 5 of their senses, instead of whatever has triggered their stress response.

Take the time to look around and note 5 things that you can see. Note 4 things that you can feel. Follow this with 3 things that you can hear, 2 things that you can smell and 1 thing that you can taste. By the time the individual has completed their list, they should be feeling calmer. 

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