At Curwen, we prioritize the well-being and mental health of all our pupils, staff, and families. We believe that mental health should be openly discussed to remove any stigma and encourage those who need support to seek help. By fostering open conversations, we ensure that children feel comfortable sharing when they are struggling, allowing us to provide the necessary support.

Rather than focusing solely on 'anti-bullying,' we emphasize kindness and how to treat one another with respect. Children learn about bullying, how to stand up against it, and the importance of kindness through their PSHE lessons. Our Anti-Bullying Policy, created by the School Council, reinforces the values of teamwork (TEAM) and RESPECT, ensuring that children are reminded of how to treat each other with care.

Our pupil leaders play an essential role during lunchtime, offering every child a companion to play with and someone to talk to if they have concerns. We also have trained HeadStart Champions who support mental health by running daily 'Chill & Chat' sessions for children who feel worried or upset. Additionally, we have students trained in Bounce Back, a program that promotes resilience.

During Kindness Week, our focus was on the book “It’s Okay to Be Different” by Todd Parr. Each class read the book and discussed what makes them unique and different, celebrating the diversity within our school. The children and staff then expressed these thoughts through drawings, collages, and writing, which were displayed in the main school near the library. The display is a vibrant reminder of how special each person is, and it's impossible to pass by without noticing the images and sentences that highlight our individuality and worth.