At St. Mary’s, we utilise a programme called Zumos to support the personal development of our children from Year 1 to Year 6, helping to develop their resilience. Their personal development is at the core of their success as individuals and achieving their academic potential.
After educational research and discussions with colleagues in other schools, we have embraced Zumos as a part of our school’s curriculum. Zumos is a leading online wellbeing system that is CAMHS kite marked and measures, builds and maintains resilience through supportive, motivational recordings, games and personality quizzes.
Zumos can be accessed 24/7 through any internet capable device, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and desktop computers, through a web link. The interface is age specific and changes according to the key stage pupils have reached.
The system has been developed to follow a curriculum and is designed to be used as an integral part of children’s daily routine, even if just for a few minutes. However, the more time practicing on Zumos, the bigger the impact.
We envision that this programme involves the whole family, as it is so important that such a growth mindset approach is reinforced both at home and school. The messages of discussing emotions, feelings and worries need to be reinforced at home too in order for the desired outcomes to be achieved. We ask that parents/carers spend 5-10 minutes daily with their child(ren) reflecting on their life book, discussing their feelings and reflecting on the daily ‘How to be Happy’ videos, which they watch at school each day.
Mental Health Practitioner
The school is supported by a dedicated Mental Health Practitioner, Lucy, who plays a key role in promoting pupils’ emotional wellbeing as part of the school’s wider commitment to safeguarding and personal development.
Through assemblies, workshops and targeted interventions, pupils are supported to develop their understanding of mental health, build resilience and learn how to regulate their emotions effectively. This contributes positively to pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, enabling them to engage more fully in their learning.
Mental health education is further embedded through whole-school initiatives, including Mental Health Awareness Week and Children’s Mental Health Week, which promote themes such as belonging, inclusion and self-worth. These opportunities support pupils’ personal development and help to create a culture where all pupils feel valued and supported.
The Mental Health Practitioner works closely with staff to identify and support pupils who may require additional help, ensuring early intervention and appropriate provision. This forms an important part of the school’s safeguarding systems.
Parents and carers are engaged through workshops and information sessions, enabling a consistent and collaborative approach to supporting pupils’ wellbeing both in school and at home.
