We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our pupils. We ensure we really know every child, their strengths and their struggles and we work hard to stretch and support accordingly. Yarrells takes great care to provide the best education for a wide spectrum of pupil needs and our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators and their team of specialist, qualified staff not only tutor individual children but also work with small groups throughout the week. Our specialist team liaises with parents, teachers and, as appropriate, specialist professionals from outside the school to provide pupils with a structured learning programme. All children have individual provision plans created for them and everyone is involved in ensuring the strategies and action plans are met where relevant. We are proud to report that we have a fine track record of success and can substantiate the value we have added to each child’s learning journey. 

Health & Pastoral Care

Having asked our current parents to describe the atmosphere at Yarrells, the words they have used are ‘happy’, ‘nurturing’ and ‘caring’ to name just a few. Each pupil’s personal, social, health and emotional development is carefully supported by a web of committed professionals at the school. Each child’s form tutor links closely with the pastoral leadership team, the teaching staff, the co-ordinator for PSHE and the SEN and safeguarding teams, and all consult in depth with the Head to provide a strong and loving support system for the children in our care. Parents are involved throughout and we work hard to support children as they face life’s ups and downs, celebrating their good times and supporting in their more challenging moments.

Pupil Wellbeing

At Yarrells, Pupil Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and is woven into every aspect of our provision. We believe that when children feel emotionally secure, they can truly flourish. By building strong foundations of happiness and support, we create an environment where each pupil thrives. We continually assess our children to ensure they are experiencing the right balance of stretch and enjoyment.

Certain features of our provision are designed to support this directly.  Our regular ‘Buddy Break’ is a mentor scheme, where our senior children support our children in Reception in tasks or activities, from reading together to creating a game to cheering them on in a challenge. Firm friendships are made and both children reap the rewards from the time they spend together.

Our dedicated Wellbeing Committee, as part of our Pupil Parliament, lead assemblies and help run Wellbeing Clubs and different initiatives. A new resource, aptly named ‘The Woodpecker Shed’, has been filled with boxes of play equipment, carefully selected by each committee for pupils to use at breaktimes.

For times of challenge and when the need arises, we have two qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA), who support individual pupils when they most need a little extra support. Alongside this supportive framework, our form teachers remain the champion of every child in their form, seeking every opportunity to shine a light on strengths and achievements of the children.

Wellbeing remains a priority and throughout the year we offer a range of enriching activities across the whole school: Zen Guinea Pig Club, Forest School ‘Walking with Winnie’, gardening, meditation, origami and exploring nature trails, to name but a few. These hands-on experiences not only nurture emotional health in our children, but also foster a deep connection to nature and the world around them.

At Yarrells, wellbeing is strongly valued, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive space for all pupils to grow, learn and succeed. Our whole school culture is kind and considerate and we expect nothing less.