Mental Health and Wellbeing
‘Birmingham Wellbeing Census’
Nonsuch Primary School and the Birmingham Wellbeing Census
We are proud to share that Nonsuch Primary School is taking part in the Birmingham Wellbeing Census—an exciting initiative designed to help schools across the city better understand and support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
What is the Birmingham Wellbeing Census?
The Wellbeing Census is an annual digital survey completed by pupils in Birmingham schools. It was developed by the Birmingham Educational Psychology Service in collaboration with the University of Warwick’s Department of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The aim of the census is to collect valuable data that helps schools and professionals make informed decisions about how best to support the mental and emotional health of their students.
By capturing this data, schools and city-wide services can track wellbeing trends, assess the impact of existing support strategies, and plan new approaches to improve student wellbeing across Birmingham.
Why is Nonsuch Primary taking part?
At Nonsuch, we believe that emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic success. Taking part in the Wellbeing Census gives us the opportunity to:
- Access a tailored wellbeing dashboard showing the overall wellbeing profile of our pupils (aggregated and anonymous).
- Compare our school’s wellbeing data to regional trends.
- Inform and shape the support we offer to pupils based on real insights.
- Enhance staff understanding of mental health and wellbeing through hands-on involvement in research and training opportunities.
- Contribute to a city-wide conversation on how best to support young people’s mental health.
This project also encourages collaboration between schools and professionals working in the social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) space, helping everyone share best practices and learn from one another.
Working Together for Better Wellbeing
The collaboration between Birmingham Educational Psychology Service and the University of Warwick means the census is grounded in expert psychological research. The University’s Department of Mental Health and Wellbeing brings academic rigour and innovation to the project, while the Birmingham EPS ensures it is practical, relevant, and meaningful in school settings.
By participating in this census, Nonsuch Primary is taking an active role in shaping a healthier, happier future for all children in Birmingham.
For more information on the census, visit www.breathe-edu.co.uk/census.
Research-Informed Practice and Wellbeing – Mobile Phone Use Study
At Nonsuch Primary School, we place a strong emphasis on evidence-informed practice to support pupils’ mental health, wellbeing and personal development. As part of this approach, we are pleased to be participating in the Starting School Study, a research project led by the University of Birmingham in partnership with Centre-UB and Breathe Education.
The study explores how children’s phone use develops during the transition from primary to secondary education and how this may impact wellbeing, relationships and feelings of connectedness. Supporting pupils through periods of transition is a key priority for us, and engagement in high-quality research enables us to reflect on and strengthen our provision using current evidence.
Participation involves age-appropriate pupil surveys and the sharing of limited contextual school information to support robust research outcomes. All data is handled securely, ethically and in line with data protection legislation.
Through involvement in this project, the school receives research feedback and access to evidence-based resources and workshops for pupils, staff and parents. These insights help inform our curriculum, pastoral provision and wider approach to promoting positive mental health, including safe and healthy use of technology.
Our participation in the Starting School Study reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, professional reflection and working in partnership with families and external organisations to ensure pupils are well supported, prepared for future stages of education, and able to flourish both academically and personally.
Further information about the study can be found at:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/starting-school
Student Counsellor
Supporting Wellbeing at Nonsuch: Our Trainee Counsellor
As part of our ongoing commitment to pupil wellbeing, Nonsuch Primary School is pleased to be working in partnership with Birmingham City University to host a trainee counsellor, who will be supporting some of our children this year.
Our trainee is currently completing his training in child and adolescent counselling at Birmingham City University. His placement at Nonsuch forms an important part of his professional development. Throughout his time with us, our counsellor will be working under the close supervision of qualified professionals from the university, ensuring that all support provided is safe, ethical, and in line with national counselling standards.
How Will This Help Our Pupils?
Children referred to work with our trainee counsellor will receive additional emotional support through one-to-one sessions, helping them with areas such as:
- Managing big feelings (like anxiety, sadness or anger)
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Coping with friendships or family changes
- Talking through worries in a safe, non-judgemental space
These sessions are designed to gently support children’s emotional growth and wellbeing during their time at school.
How Does the Process Work?
Referrals for this support are carefully considered and sent to the university team to be reviewed and approved. Before any sessions take place, initial assessments are carried out with both the child and their parent/carer to ensure that this kind of support is appropriate and helpful.
All information shared in sessions is handled with care, following clear safeguarding and confidentiality policies. Parents are always kept informed and involved throughout the process.
A Professional and Caring Collaboration
This partnership with Birmingham City University not only benefits individual children who may need a little extra support, but also strengthens the school’s overall focus on wellbeing. Our counsellor brings with him the latest training and techniques, backed by expert guidance from university professionals, helping us to further enrich the care we offer our pupils.
If you have any questions about this support or think your child might benefit from counselling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school.
‘School Nurse Health Education’ sessions pilot
As a school, our aim is to develop our pupil’s health and wellbeing though teaching ‘healthy habits.’ We are proud to have been successfully chosen as 1 of 15 schools in Birmingham to be part of the ‘School Nurse Health Education’ sessions pilot. During the Spring and Summer Terms, we will be offering the following sessions to our pupils, in addition to parent ‘drop in’ sessions too!
Handwashing for Reception and Year 3
Dental for Reception, Year 3 and Year 5
Personal Hygiene for Year 3 and Year 5
Puberty for Year 5: Puberty for boys & Puberty for girls (delivered as separate sessions)
Transition for Year 6
‘Drop in’ sessions for Parents and Carers: ‘School Readiness’ (Reception upwards) and ‘Transition to Secondary School’ (Years 5 and 6)