At St Mark’s CE Primary School, we recognise that children’s emotional wellbeing is central to their ability to learn, develop positive relationships and flourish. We understand that every child is unique and that, at times, children may need additional support to help them manage emotions, overcome challenges, build confidence and feel ready to engage positively with school life.

The Safari Room is a dedicated wellbeing space designed to feel different from a traditional classroom. It is a calm, welcoming and nurturing environment where children can feel safe, listened to and supported. Our aim is to create a space where children know they are valued and where they can access the support they need. Our unofficial motto is “everyone has a someone” – ensuring that every child knows there is an adult in school who will listen, care and help them when they need it.

Miss Fullwood and Mrs Morris provide targeted support through one-to-one and small group sessions, carefully tailored to meet the needs of individual children. This support may be bespoke, focusing on a child’s specific circumstances, emotions or experiences, or may involve structured programmes such as Hamish & Milo, which supports children’s social and emotional development. Through these opportunities, children are supported to develop self-awareness, resilience, emotional regulation, confidence and positive relationships.

We also recognise the importance of working in partnership with families to support children’s wellbeing. Through the Safari Room, we offer practical and empathetic support to parents and carers, including access to Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) training. Sometimes support may be as simple as a conversation, a listening ear or a cup of tea; we believe that strong relationships between home and school create the best possible foundations for children to thrive.

The Safari Room plays an important role in the wider life of our school. It leads our A-Team Parties throughout the year, celebrating positive choices, kindness and personal achievements. The team also completes daily wellbeing check-ins, supports children and families at the beginning and end of the school day, and is visible during lunchtime to provide reassurance, guidance and support when children need it.

Through our wellbeing provision, we aim to ensure that every child feels known, valued and supported. By removing barriers and nurturing children’s emotional wellbeing, we help them to develop the confidence and skills they need to Love, Grow and Succeed Together.