The Public Health team have just announced a £350,000 boost in their Public Health Grants programme in schools programme, a 40 per cent increase.
This is part of a bold £1.4 million package of public health initiatives to give children across the county the very best start in life.
This enables schools to access grant funding to support innovative projects aimed at improving pupils’ mental wellbeing. Examples can include engagement in arts, physical activities, mindfulness, diet and nutrition.
The focus is on wellbeing outside the school curriculum, with an emphasis on lasting impact.
Comberton Primary recently used this grant funding to boost pupil wellbeing through new sensory room and outdoor mindfulness garden.
These places provide calming, inclusive spaces that support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and promote healthy lifestyles.
The funding enabled Comberton Primary to re-decorate a room and furnish it with sensory equipment including bubble tubes, weighted blankets and textured play mats.
During a visit to the school, Dr Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said she was delighted to see children using the sensory room to regulate their emotions.
“They are finding ways to cope with their anxieties, and they can talk to other children who are anxious or angry. This is a great resource, being well-used and the outcomes are really good.”
In this video meet Ezra (Year 6) and Raya (Year 4) and hear why they love spending time there. Ezra even likes to clean the room too!
Headteacher Deena Frost explained: “It’s somewhere children can come when they’re not feeling ok – if they’re anxious or angry.
“Children lead complex lives and you have to be emotionally ready to learn.”
She said the space offers children the chance to regulate their feelings, so they’re prepared to learn again.
“It’s not a timetabled room and we have children from nursery right the way through to Year 6 who use it. It’s safe, inviting, warm and purposeful,” she said.
To find out more about Public Health wellbeing grants for schools, please visit Public Health Grant for Educational Settings.