Hafan

At Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell, teaching and learning is built upon a solid foundation that is inclusive, challenging, supporting and empowering, and nurture’s pupil wellbeing. 

However for some pupils accessing the curriculum can be challenging, this could be due to a social/emotional, communication barrier and they may require additional support in the form of nurture.

Research shows that children's learning is most effective when they have a sense of emotional well-being, good self-esteem and a feeling of belonging. Our ‘Hafan’ provides children with this opportunity, helping to develop maturity and resilience.

In the Hafan we aim to ensure that: 

• Children's learning is understood developmentally
• The Classroom offers a safe base
• All behaviour is communication
• The importance of nurture for the development of well-being
• Language is a vital means of communication
• The importance of transition in children's lives

Our experienced staff are specifically trained to work with individuals or small groups to support children's well-being, using Thrive, ELSA, and Human Givens interventions as well as Anxiety and Lego group workshops. 

Sessions are fun and informative, using activities and resources to motivate, engage and support. Children are taught strategies to support their well-being as well as focusing on their bodies to identify and acknowledge what happens when feelings can overwhelm them. 

Children may attend sessions in the Hafan for specific reasons, for example:

• Friendship difficulties – keeping/making friends
• Quiet, shy, withdrawn
• Find it hard to listen to others or join in
• Disruptive towards others
• Find it hard to share and take turns
• Find it a bit difficult to settle into class
• Low self esteem
• Poor relationships with adults in school
• Bereavement
• Family illness or break-up

Interventions in the Hafan aim to boost confidence and self-esteem and provide children with the extra help sometimes needed to improve social skills and independence for example:                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• To join in 
• To settle
• To listen and concentrate
• To share and take turns
• To build up friendships with their classmates
• It gives them a chance and helps to encourage a more positive profile among their peers and members of staff.
• Helps children manage situations and increase their skills to become more successful learners.  

Nurture is an essential resource at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg y Castell. It provides a bridge between home and school; a place where children can feel safe and secure to explore their emotional and social well-being, learn about themselves, develop and grow into competent, resilient learners.

Parents are welcome to contact the school and speak to Mrs Field and Miss Thomas to discuss their child, if they feel their child would benefit from nurture support.