Prince’s Gardens Prep School: Understanding Pupil Wellbeing
By Independent School Parent | Sun 1st Dec 2019
Forget the old days of stiff upper lips and austere attitudes – prep schools are now havens of wellbeing, writes Katie Hughes, with insights from Prince’s Gardens Prep School
It is widely recognised that a child’s emotional health and wellbeing influences their cognitive development and learning,” says Public Health England. It also affects “their physical and social health and their mental wellbeing in adulthood”.
Add to this the fact that over 50% of mental illnesses start before the age of 14 and that one in 10 children and young people currently has a mental health disorder*, and it’s no surprise that pupil wellbeing is under the national spotlight.
What is wellbeing?
The Oxford English Dictionary describes wellbeing as “the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy”. The Mental Health Foundation defines it as “a much broader concept than moment-to-moment happiness”.
And the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families defines it as “not simply the absence of mental illness, but a broader indicator of social, emotional and physical wellness”.
Definitions of wellbeing may differ, but there’s little doubt about the part being played by schools in fostering it. The mental health charity Young Minds explains: “A good education promotes health and happiness, not just good grades. Schools play a crucial role in developing the skills young people need to cope and flourish in today’s uncertain world.”
Laying strong foundations
Prep schools are taking this message seriously; not just putting pupil wellbeing at the centre of their pastoral care programmes, but doing so from an early age.
“As soon as pupils walk through the door to pre-prep, it’s important to prioritise wellbeing,” says Katie Paynter, Head of Pre-Prep at Prince’s Gardens Prep. “Because if they’re not happy, they’re not going to learn.”
In practice, this means gentle and age-appropriate support from specialist staff, who collaborate with other important figures across a child’s life. “We talk about the power of three,” says Katie Paynter. “Parents, children and staff all need to work together and communicate to get the very best outcome for a child.”
To find out more about Prince’s Gardens Prep School, its vision and exciting plans, please click on the download link below:
*Data from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
**Source: Mental Health Foundation