Wellbeing
At Thomas A Becket Infant School, we understand the importance of working in partnership with families to support the wellbeing of our children. We hope you find the information and links on this page useful, both now and in the future.
Please note that while we have selected resources that we believe may be helpful, families are encouraged to review any information themselves and decide what is most appropriate for their child's individual needs.
To enable children to be ready to learn, it is vital that we develop their emotional literacy and self-regulation skills. A focus on wellbeing underpins our quality first teaching and frames the holistic focus that we have at Thomas A Becket Infant School.
The Colour Monster
We use The Colour Monster to help children identify and talk about their emotions. Children can use the colours to help them check in regularly with how they are feeling when they arrive at school.
Written by Anna Llenas, The Colour Monster helps children understand that all feelings are normal and gives them simple ways to recognise and talk about their emotions.
Colour Meanings
- Yellow – Happiness, joy and excitement
- Blue – Sadness
- Red – Anger or frustration
- Grey – Fear or worry
- Green – Calm and peaceful feelings
- Pink – Love and affection
- Multi-coloured – Confused or mixed-up feelings
Using this approach helps children to:
- Develop emotional vocabulary
- Recognise and name their feelings
- Understand that all emotions are valid
- Begin to learn strategies to manage big feelings
- Build confidence in talking to trusted adults
NSPCC Talk PANTS
The NSPCC's Talk PANTS programme helps children understand that their body belongs to them and encourages them to speak to a trusted adult if anything makes them feel worried, unsafe or uncomfortable.
Parent information can be found here:
Talk PANTS: Conversation to help keep children safe | NSPCC
Shared Reading: Understanding Big Feelings
Reading together is a wonderful way to help children develop emotional understanding, confidence and resilience. The following books provide opportunities to discuss emotions and wellbeing at home.
Books
Worries, Anxiety and Big Changes
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
A story about a worry that grows bigger when kept inside. It encourages children to talk about their worries.
Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
A story about facing new experiences and understanding that fear is a normal emotion.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
A reassuring story that shows it is possible to feel both excited and nervous at the same time.
Anger, Frustration and Difficult Feelings
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
A reminder that it is okay to have days when we feel grumpy.
When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry... by Molly Bang
Explores ways of managing anger and finding calm.
Ravi's Roar by Tom Percival
A story about frustration, self-control and making positive choices.
Connecting Feelings and the Body
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
Helps children explore how different emotions feel.
Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
Encourages children to recognise physical signs linked to emotions and wellbeing.
Questions to Discuss Whilst Reading
- How do you think the character is feeling?
- What clues tell us how they are feeling?
- Have you ever felt the same way?
- What helped the character feel better?
- Who could they talk to for help?
West Sussex Public Health Team
The West Sussex Public health team has shared a resource created to help parents and carers access clear, reliable public health information. The padlet brings together advice to support children and young people/s wellbeing, development and safety.
Key Public Health Information: Advice and support for parent and carers
Support for Families
SEND Support Reaching Families
Reaching Families offers support, advice, training and practical help for families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
If you have any concerns about your child's wellbeing, please speak to a member of the school team. We are always happy to work with families to ensure children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.