King’s welcomed Shetland ponies and dogs after two busy and productive weeks at school.

It may seem only five minutes ago that our pupils were enjoying a relaxing summer holiday, but to many of them, it will feel a long time ago. The animals are from Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue, the charity we supported as our fundraising initiative last year. Pupils also support them every Friday afternoon by volunteering to clean out stables and walk rescue dogs. The aim of these animals visiting King’s is to enable the pupils to switch off and have a break from routine, laugh, relax and have fun with their friends. This is all beneficial to their mental health. It seems obvious, but these small events, strategically placed throughout the term, have an enormous impact and it is backed by research.

Wellbeing was the focus of the start of term training for staff and it involved us all reflecting on helpful initiatives for ourselves and the pupils. We were guided by a researcher and teacher, Dr Amy Fancourt, Head of Psychology at Queen Anne’s School, Reading, who is involved with the latest research in this field at Goldsmith’s College and Reading University.

She emphasised that the following eight areas are key for positive mental health:

• having a choice
• novelty 
• humour 
• positive interactions
• kindness 
• expressing gratitude 
• making correct predictions 
• achieving challenges 

These actions and values form the basis of the guidance and care we give the pupils. The animals coming into King’s will be a start to fulfilling a few of these recommended actions.

Alison Grant - Deputy Head