Wellbeing Award - Reassessment Success
We are incredibly proud that St Thomas (Halliwell) CE Primary School has successfully retained the Wellbeing Award for Schools for a further three years (2025–2028).
The Wellbeing Award for Schools recognises schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to promoting and protecting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of pupils, staff and the wider community. It celebrates schools where wellbeing is not an add-on, but fully embedded in everyday school life.
Following a reassessment in December 2025, our school was praised for its nurturing Christian ethos, strong SHINE values, and the “family” culture that ensures every child and adult feels safe, valued and supported. Feedback from children, staff, governors and parents was overwhelmingly positive, recognising the care, kindness and inclusion that make St Thomas’ such a special place to be.
How We Achieved This
Over the past three years, we have continued to strengthen and develop our whole-school approach to wellbeing, including:
- A dedicated Pastoral Care Officer/Wellbeing Coordinator
- Daily feelings check-ins and calm reflection areas in every classroom
- Our pupil Wellbeing and Attendance Ambassadors and leadership opportunities
- Wellbeing Wednesdays and parent coffee mornings
- Expanded breakfast club and targeted pastoral support
- 16 trained Mental Health First Aiders
- A sensory and relaxation room
- Strong partnerships with parents, governors and outside agencies
The reassessment highlighted the warmth of relationships across the school, the confidence of pupils in talking about their feelings, and the strong sense of belonging felt by staff, children and families .
At St Thomas, wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when children feel heard, loved, safe and happy, they are able to thrive, shine and achieve.
Pupil, Parent and Staff Voice
Supporting Our Wellbeing Award (2025-2028)
The voices of our whole school community were central to our Wellbeing Award reassessment. Feedback from pupils, parents and staff reflects the nurturing, supportive and inclusive culture at St Thomas (Halliwell).
Pupil Voice
“I love this school and will miss it.”
“This is the most incredible school in the world.”
“They teach us to respect one another.”
“They help us to improve and feel safe.”
“They take care of us when we’re feeling sad or unwell.”
“They try to fit in as many trips as possible.”
“The school helps me develop my learning.”
Parent Voice
“The school really cares for children. All the staff are friendly and kind – not just to children but to parents too.”
“We both really felt listened to and safe when telling staff.”
“The staff make you feel like you are being listened to and take your feelings into consideration.”
“My child goes to school very happy and learns so much.”
“The school allows children to feel their emotions and helps them talk through them.”
“The Headteacher and teaching staff make it easy to access them anytime I feel the need to talk.”
“The school makes me and my children feel welcome.”
Staff Voice
“Our school puts the emotional wellbeing of its pupils at the centre of everything it does.”
“When we put children and their mental health and well-being at the forefront of everything we know they can thrive.”
“It is every single member of the school team’s job to promote and improve the emotional and mental health of all children.”
“St Thomas’ is like a family - everyone is valued.”
“Every member of staff has a well-being day!”
“The Headteacher is extremely approachable and supportive.”
“We are a whole school family and all look after each other so well.”
Together, these voices show that wellbeing at St Thomas (Halliwell) is not just a programme - it is our ethos. It is embedded in our relationships, our leadership, our curriculum and our daily interactions, ensuring every member of our community feels safe, valued and able to shine.
We are proud to continue this journey from 2025-2028 and remain committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our entire school community. Please click below to read the full report.