Orwell Park Safeguarding Team
Vikki Wiggins
Welcome to our brand-new monthly Wellbeing Newsletter! Designed to keep you connected and informed about all the wonderful things happening at Orwell Park to support the mental, emotional, social and economic wellbeing of our pupils.
At Orwell Park, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do We are passionate about nurturing happy, resilient and self-aware young people, and we believe that wellbeing is the foundation for both personal growth and academic success. Each month, the newsletter will share a variety of useful insights and updates, including:
What’s being taught in Life Skills lessons
Highlights from The Wellbeing Hub Photos of the children engaging with the Five Ways to Wellbeing
Practical tips and ideas to support wellbeing at home
Information on growth mindset, online safety, and more
Interviews with staff and children
We hope this newsletter becomes a valuable resource for you and your family, helping to strengthen the home-school connection as we work together to support every child’s wellbeing.
Caroline Brunt, Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Summer Challenge:
Find a Mindful Moment
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness means paying full attention to the present moment - noticing our breathing, using our senses and observing what is going on around us. For children, this could be noticing their breath when they’re nervous, really listening to a story, or pausing before reacting when emotions run high
In school, mindfulness supports emotional resilience, focus, and self-awareness - skills that help with learning, friendships, and managing life’s ups and downs: all part of their personal growth.
We’re not expecting silence or long meditations, just simple, age-appropriate ways to help children feel more grounded, focused, and kind - to themselves and others. By introducing mindfulness early, we ’ re giving children lifelong tools to handle stress, show empathy, and thrive both in and out of the classroom
There is a whole host of information and guided meditations on the TeenTips Wellbeing Hub . For younger children, BBC Children in Need Mindfulness Hub has some great activities and if ‘doing’ is more suited to your child, there is a wealth of online information available This Calm website is a good place to start.
I’ve set all the pupils the Summer Challenge to ‘Find Their Mindful Moment’ and have encouraged them to be curious and explore different ways of being mindful to find what works for them
We’d love to see what your child tries - please share a short video or a photo with a caption via:
If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Online Safety
Each month, the OrWellbeing team will share tips, ideas, and guidance to help us all try to navigate the digital world safely. At Orwell Park, we want pupils to enjoy technology, know how to use it wisely while keeping themselves happy, healthy, and safe
Did you know it’s a legal requirement for schools to have systems in place to filter and monitor online access?
At school, filtering and monitoring work together to protect pupils from online harm when using school devices and networks.
Filtering blocks access to harmful or inappropriate content (such as pornography, extremism, or gambling), preventing children from accessing it in the first place. Monitoring tracks and flags concerning activity or behaviour, such as attempts to bypass filters or the use of keywords linked to self-harm, bullying, or radicalisation, so staff can step in early and offer support.
Filtering alone isn’t enough. Ongoing monitoring and human oversight are essential to understanding how pupils use technology and to responding swiftly to emerging risks. Here at Orwell Park, the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Online Safety Lead receive daily and weekly reports from our monitoring system, Lightspeed, along with real-time alerts for any online safety concerns. We can then act promptly to support pupils and help them understand how to stay safe online. Pupils also receive regular online safety lessons to support them to stay safe and also take responsibility for their own behaviour online.
Online Safety in the News
Five Practical Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Online This Summer
As the summer holidays approach, many children will naturally spend more time online. They may be gaming with friends, watching videos, or exploring educational resources. The internet offers great opportunities for learning and connection, but it also brings risks that we should all be all mindful of.
Here are five sensible and effective strategies to help you support your child’s online safety during the long summer holidays:
Encourage open, ongoing conversations about online life
Encourage your child to talk openly about their online activities without fear of judgement or punishment. Regular, relaxed discussions about what they enjoy, who they interact with, and anything that unsettles them will help build trust and keep you informed.
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Familiarise yourself with the apps and platforms your child uses
Take the time to explore the games and social media channels your child is interested in. Understanding privacy settings, communication features, and content moderation will enable you to guide your child confidently and recognise potential concerns
Establish clear boundaries and maintain consistency
Setting agreed limits around screen time, such as device-free family meals or designated “tech-free” times, helps children develop healthy habits. Maintaining these boundaries consistently throughout the holidays supports a balanced routine and reduces arguments!
Use parental controls and filtering tools appropriately
Many internet providers offer free filtering services, and devices often come equipped with parental controls. While these should never replace parental supervision, they provide an additional layer of protection, particularly for younger children.
Encourage a varied and balanced holiday routine
Encourage activities away from screens, including outdoor play, hobbies, and family outings. A well-rounded routine naturally limits screen time and promotes physical and emotional wellbeing.
There are a wide range of webinars available via The Wellbeing Hub Platform, you can join live or over the following 2 weeks. Our top 2 suggestions for you are:
Helping your child thrive in the digital world with Dr Elizabeth Milovidov, Lawyer, Author, E-safety Consultant and Digital Parenting Expert
Wednesday 16th July, 6.30pm
How to help your child prepare for school this summer with Dr Amanda Gummer, CEO of the research consultancy Fundamentally Children, home of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide
Wednesday 23 July, 6.00pm rd
WEBINAR RECORDING
BONUS PODCAST
Self-harm awareness with Satveer Nijjar, Author, Speaker, and Founder of Attention Seekers? Training WATCH HERE
Self-harm awareness with Satveer Nijjar, Author, Speaker and Founder of Attention Seekers? Training
Self-harm explained by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub BLOG
Why early heart screening is so important for young people with Dr James Cockburn, UK Cardiologist and Co-Founder of Teen Heart Project
PODCAST
Parenting for prevention - selfharm and eating disorders with Dr Tara Porter, Clinical Psychologist and International Bestselling Author
Healthy Smiles, Happy Children!
By Selvan Govender (Dentist@Dentoworld,Colchester)
This month, we are grateful to Selven Govender (Parent at Orwell Park and Expert Dentist) who has shared important advice on Dental Health for prep school age children
Why Dental Health Matters for Ages 6–12
As children grow, their smiles go through big changes and so does their need for good dental care Between the ages of 6 and 12, baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth come in, and lifelong habits begin to form. Helping children care for their teeth now sets the stage for a healthy, confident future.
What Makes This Age So Important?
Permanent teeth are coming in and they need to last a lifetime!
Brushing and flossing habits are being formed
Sugary snacks and drinks become more common
Orthodontic concerns (like crowding or bite issues or missing permanent teeth) often appear during this time.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Brush twice a day two full minutes Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste Help or supervise until age 8–9 and spot-check after that.
Floss & interdental brushes daily - yes, even children need to floss! Once a day especially at night Floss picks, child-friendly flossers and interdental brushes can help with tricky spots
Limit sugary snacks and drinks Frequent snacking is one of the biggest threats to children’s teeth. Help your child choose tooth-friendly snacks: cheese, yogurt, apples, nuts, or carrots. Drink water throughout the day, not sugary drinks. Save sweet treats for mealtimes when saliva production helps protect teeth. Sticky snacks like gummies and dried fruit cling to teeth, limit these or rinse soon after
Visit the dentist every 6 months for cleanings, cavity checks, fluoride treatments. Regular visits catch problems early and help children feel more comfortable at the dentist. Talk positively about dental care: make it fun and rewarding.
Mouthguards for sports - if your child plays contact sports a **custom made mouthguard** can protect teeth from injury
A Healthy Smile Means More Than Just Clean Teeth
Good dental health boosts self-confidence, supports speech and nutrition, and helps prevent painful cavities and costly treatments later on Let’s work together to keep our our children smiling bright!
Questions? Reach out to your child’s dentist or myself for tips and resources
STAFF PICKS
A monthly media spotlight with a member of the prep school community, brought to you by the OrWellbeing Newsletter!
This month, we caught up with Emily Reed, one of our wonderful School Nursing Team at Orwell Park, to find out what’s been capturing her imagination outside the school gates.
From page-turners to playlists, here’s what she’s loving right now...
Book I Couldn’t Put Down...
What’s the one book you always recommend or wish you could read again for the first time?
An informative read, whether you are a new parent or old parent, I really enjoyed 'The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did)' by Philippa Perry. She is a child psychologist and it’s a really interesting read with some great ideas and a calm but assertive approach to parenting
TV Show You BingeWatched (and Don’t Regret)
We all have one What’s your guilty pleasure or proud obsession on the small screen?
Podcast Pick
For your commute, your wind-down, or a moment of inspiration, what podcast do you never miss?
I have 2 podcasts that I love: the first is 'Feel better live more' by Dr Rangan Chatterjee. He has loads of really interesting guests who have normally done some research on wellbeing, either mental or physical health
My fun podcast go to, when I just need some light-hearted relief, is Catherine Ryan’s ‘Telling Everybody Everything’.
Music on Repeat
Which song, album, or artist lifts your spirits or helps you focus?
Film That Stuck With You
Old classic or recent release, what film left a lasting impression and why?
The film I really love, but is very sad, is The Duchess with Keira Knightly Based on the true story of the life of Georgiana Cavendish, The Duchess of Devonshire.
Something a Little Different
A Final Recommendation
I love the Traitors. I am truly fascinated with the relationships and the personalities that thread through the ultimate goal of being the uncaught Traitor I also love Claudia Winkelmann - she has such an infectious positive energy. I think it is great to surround yourself with people that make you feel good
Anything we can dance around the kitchen to, especially in the evening when we are cooking and clearing up.
An app, YouTube channel, newsletter, magazine or even a place that’s enriching your life right now
Is there a media gem or hidden treasure yo
Listening to music releases dopamine, the feel good hormone and is great for your mental wellbeing: Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, Stealers Wheel, Squeeze. We also love Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and anything with dance move actions!
Adrienne, a Canadian yoga inductor does a free online yoga course every January. So if you are having neck or shoulder ache, one of her 10 minute YouTube videos on a specific problem area, can really help with pain and focus on self care for 10 minutes I have linked her website below but just google her videos on YouTube Yoga with Adriene
Martin O’Brien, Deputy Head Pastoral shares some thoughts on our focus value this term: Kindness
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. (Aesop)
It is often said that safeguarding is the golden thread which runs through this and other excellent schools And yet kindness should be at the very core of our existence It should be a reflex, and the way we behave towards each other instinctively As a community, we shouldn’t need to look for examples of kindness; we should be aware of it at all times, in all places, and with all people.
Acts of kindness need not be expansive, or grandly orchestrated; they should matter to another person, and be made irrespective of expecting anything in return A smile, a door held open, checking up on a friend, listening carefully to a worry; all will make a difference Doing or helping with a task that is causing anxiety, reaching out to others to create support and understanding, and simply being there, can make such a difference, albeit often unknown to us.
In the Sermon on the Mount, we hear a version of the golden rule; do to others as you would have them do to you This, ironically, can mean avoiding a particular action Not making a comment or a criticism, not gossiping, not seeking advantage for yourself or disadvantage for others. Ultimately, this is about service, and the question ‘how can I help?” should be on our lips and in our hearts at all times.
What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? (George Eliot)
In writing some words for a leaving member of staff recently, I was very pleased to be able to say that they frequently carried out acts of private kindness, with no thought for themselves or any of cost to them, and with a genuine concern to make another life better. I have seen this also with pupils here, who can be immensely and unexpectedly kind, often out of hearing and sight. That gives me great heart and optimism for the future.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. (Dalai Lama)
CHARITY FOCUS
INTRODUCING...
SIMON GLENISTER
The children met Jay from Noise Solution back in September when he introduced our local charity, Noise Solution, to them in an assembly. We had great fun making a piece of music together.
Here we meet Simon Glenister, founder and CEO of Noise Solution: What inspired you to work in the charity sector?
I wasn’t so much inspired to work in the charity sector as driven to fix something I felt was missing. After dropping out of school, I found my path through music Mentoring young people later showed me how powerful creativity could be in building trust and confidence That’s what lit the fuse and I set up Noise Solution to create what I wish I’d had growing up: a space that gives young people a voice, especially those overlooked by mainstream services.
Can you describe your role and what a typical day looks like
There’s no typical day, which I enjoy. I juggle strategy, partnerships, team check-ins, and ensuring our work is evidence-based. One day I might be discussing contracts with local authorities; another, analysing wellbeing data or developing our AI platform I also stay close to delivery - it’s important our work remains connected to real people, not just systems
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
It’s hearing from the young people and families we work with. When someone tells you their child has gone from refusing to leave the house to being excited about music every week - or that they feel like they’ve finally been seen - or that they credit you with saving that life, that’s everything. Also, I get a lot from seeing our approach shift how professionals think. When schools or services realise there’s another way to engage young people; that feels like progress
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?
Trying to change the way big systems work is hard. Even when you ’ ve got a solid model backed up with strong data, people don’t always want to do things differently There’s a lot of risk aversion out there. We know what we offer works, but sometimes getting others to take that first step with us is the tough bit. Also, like most people in this sector, funding is a constant challenge and finding the time to grow strategically without burning out So thank you for your fundraising efforts, they are very much appreciated
What is the main mission or goal of noise solution?
At its core, we help young people who are struggling feel better about themselves; using music, mentoring, and digital storytelling We wrap all that in a framework that’s backed by psychology, and we track how it’s working using proper tools and analysis. It’s about connection, confidence, and giving people a way to be heard. We want to improve well-being, but also change the way services think about evidence and engagement
Can you share a success story that really stood out to you?
It's often the early ones I remember (we've been doing this for 16 years now). A young lad sticks in my mind He was refusing to engage with mental health services, really anxious, barely speaking, not leaving the house, parent pulling their hair out desperate for help But through the music sessions, and especially through the digital reflections we help them make, he started to open up. His confidence just grew and he flew. His parent told us it was the first time in years they’d seen him excited about something From hiding away to making music, sharing thoughts, and even going back into work - that shift is what it’s all about And it’s not a one-off We see that kind of turnaround more often than people think. In fact we ' re currently running a social media campaign where we are posting one piece of unsolicited feedback every day for a year. All from either families, the professionals or young people we ' ve worked with, contacting us willingly off their own backs to let us know how much impact they have felt from the work we do
Here is a video that Noise Solution share with young people who might be interested in their work.
COMING UP IN LIFE SKILLS
AutumnTerm
EARLY YEARS
L B T E
e n g b t u e e a l s h e e i h e e b t
YEAR 1
A L S
h a s a l o a l s h o n a
i e n y s f a l
YEAR 2
R N H
a i u n a n p o o e e i e v u YEAR 3
A L S
u i e f
i e n a l s
h m r n s c f e n n i l i e n i e n
YEAR 6
E T N I o t e e t , o n e t n i i e n i s f e t n i a i e n a n s p
R N H
e e i a t r i e n n i l i e e b t g i r t
e o i o u y g n u f e v u
YEAR 7
O I I
O : R T G
U U S F
U A E E
i a h s
a e
u u
u l t n
R N H
h m r n f n u n t r s c f o t e r n h s o u c i e e f l n u n n n
YEAR 8
I R I T N
r e d
h a e s s d t y
e - r m t
E O S o r i , a e r u c e e , o r c u o , i r i t n q l y n u i r e o i l y x c t n
The Parents’ Association has been working hard within the school community to raise valuable funds for the benefit of the children Thanks to their efforts, several items from the school wish list, developed by Heads of Department, have already been purchased. The Student Council played a key role in deciding which items should be prioritised, and we ’ re pleased to share that these resources will be ready and in use from September
THE WISH LIST!
Geography
Pupil Edit Pupil Edit Aggie, Year 8 Aggie, Year 8
Each month, we sit down with one of our pupils to hear about their favourite moments, exciting discoveries and proudest achievements at school.
Here's what Aggie had to say about this (final!) month at Orwell Park.
What’s been your favourite part of school this month and why?
My favourite part of school this month was definitely the Ardeche Trip! I was able to try so many new activities which I loved. It was wonderful to spend quality time with friends in the sunshine.
What’s something new you’ve tried or learned recently that sur you?
che trip, I tried Caving for the first time I was very nervous but it was a great experience and I would definitely do it again. surprised me because I thought it would be very different.
What’s one moment this month that made you feel really proud?
Along with all the other Year 8s, I tackled our final Common Entrance Exams. I am really proud of the hard work we put in and I’m very happy with the results.
What’s the most fun or unusual thing you’ve done in school lately?
The most unusual thing this month is probably chocolate tasting (it was part of our Leavers’ Course). It is definitely not a normal thing you would do at school but fantastic if you love chocolate!
Who’s someone at school who made your day better this month and what did they do?
Angie because she always puts so much effort into making everything really fun and she has made our Leavers’ Course even more enjoyable! Thank you, Angie!
At Orwell Park, economic wellbeing is more than just balancing budgets! It’s about equipping our pupils with the confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking to make wise financial decisions now and in the future. Through our Life Skills programme and wider school initiatives, children from as young as five begin building their understanding of money, value, and enterprise in age-appropriate, hands-on ways.
This term in Life Skills, pupils have been learning essential tools to support their financial literacy and economic confidence Lessons across Years 5 to 8 have focused on budgeting, keeping track of spending, and exploring apps and tools that can help manage money wisely. We’ve also made strong links between economic understanding and personal wellbeing - discussing how being in control of your finances can reduce stress and increase a sense of independence and security
In Year 6, pupils tackled a real-life budgeting dilemma: what happens when a family needs to buy new tyres, pay old bills, feed everyone, and still dreams of going on Pupils had to make tough choices and justify their ns It was an eye-opening glimpse into the world of l priorities!
During p , pupils embraced a real-life budgeting challenge. Tasked with buying a picnic lunch from a traditional French market, they had to work together in teams to make healthy choices all while sticking to a limited budget Navigating prices in euros, prioritising essential items, and negotiating in French not only tested their language and maths skills, but also strengthened their teamwork and decisionmaking. It was a brilliant hands-on experience brought to life in a memorable way!
For our Year 8 leavers, economic learning on our Leavers’ Course, was encapsulated in the "Dine and Design" challenge Working in teams, they were asked to design and pitch a restaurant business from scratch - including branding, menus, costings and profit forecasts. A special well done to Sandra, Lexi, William, George, David and Arthur, whose restaurant Bon Appétit stood out for its creativity and sound financial thinking In true Dragons’ Den style, they presented their concept to an expert panel, asked for funding, and showed excellent awareness of how to run a business successfully.
Finally, we ’ re pleased to share with families some brilliant resources to support financial education at home.
Both Barclays LifeSkills and Lloyds Bank Academy offer free, interactive materials ents to explore with children of all ages:
mer Challenges for Financial Confidence
(1) Plan a Meal, Budget a Shop
Let your child plan a family dinner, write the shopping list, and work out the cost from a supermarket website Give them a budget and help them decide on swaps if it goes over
(2) Run a Stall at the Village Fete (or family event ) over the Summer
Encourage a garage sale, contribution to a stall at a fete or online charity sale. Talk through costs (ingredients, materials) and help them calculate profit.
(3) Play the 'Holiday Budget Game'
Give them a fictional family holiday budget. What transport, accommodation, food and activities can they afford? How will they balance fun with finances?
By building financial understanding from a young age, we aim to empower Orwellians to become responsible, resilient and resourceful adults Don’t forget to check your child’s wallet they might just be saving up for their first big idea!
SSHELFAWARENESS! HELFAWARENESS! Books
to enjoy and explore together,.
month we have selected some great books on the topic of inclusion and diversity.
For our youngest pupils...
Susan Laughs
by Jeanne Willis & Tony Ross
A beautifully simple picture book that shows all the things Susan enjoys doing laughing, playing, swimming without revealing until the final page that she uses a wheelchair.
Ideal for Years 1-3...
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman & Ros
Represents a range of families, cultures, and lifestyles in a joyful, inclusive way.
Years 4-6 might enjoy...
Wonder by R.J.
Palacio
A well-known story about Auggie, a boy with a craniofacial condition, and his journey through mainstream school. Explores kindness, courage, and acceptance.
For our older pupils...
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q.
A moving story told through a child’s voice about welcoming a refugee and the power of kindness.
For Adults...
The Good Ally by Nova Reid
A powerful guide to anti-racism for everyday life, honest, actionable, and written in an accessible tone.
Raúf
Asquith
