Personal Development & Wellbeing

Text

Text

Personal Development and Wellbeing at Cleaswell Hill School is embedded in our curriculum, school life and culture. We provide a rich range of opportunities that support pupils to develop confidence, resilience, independence, communication skills and a strong sense of belonging.

The development of independence, communication and character lies at the heart of everything we do. Across all pathways, pupils are supported to understand themselves, build positive relationships, manage their wellbeing, contribute to their communities and prepare for adulthood. Learning is carefully personalised to meet pupils' strengths, needs and aspirations.

Our Personal Development curriculum is underpinned by the PSHE Association SEND framework and includes the statutory teaching of Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) & Online Safety. Through carefully adapted learning experiences, pupils gain an understanding of healthy relationships, personal boundaries, keeping safe, physical and emotional wellbeing, online safety, respect, consent and preparation for adult life. Content is tailored to be appropriate to pupils' age, developmental stage and individual needs.

 

A Sense of Belonging

We place great importance on ensuring every pupil feels safe, valued and connected. Positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, therapeutic support and a strong community ethos help pupils build trust, develop self-confidence and engage successfully in learning and wider school life.

 

Developing Independence and Confidence

Throughout their journey at Cleaswell Hill, pupils are encouraged and supported to make choices, take responsibility, solve problems and become increasingly independent. Personal development is woven through everyday learning, helping pupils develop: 

  • Communication and self-advocacy skills. 

  • Emotional literacy and self-regulation. 

  • Resilience and confidence. 

  • Positive relationships and social understanding. 

  • Independence and life skills. 

  • Responsibility and decision-making. 

  • Aspirations for their future. 

Our integrated therapeutic approach, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, sensory regulation support and wellbeing strategies, helps pupils develop the skills and confidence needed to overcome barriers and achieve their potential. 

 

Pupil Voice and Leadership

We believe every pupil should have a voice. Through active participation in learning, school councils, SEND focus groups, pupil leadership opportunities, Youth Elections, enrichment choices and person-centred planning, pupils are supported to communicate their views, influence decisions and take an active role in shaping school life. Communication methods are adapted to meet individual needs so that all pupils can participate meaningfully. 

 

Enrichment and Wider Experiences

A wide range of enrichment opportunities are intentionally planned within the curriculum & wider school life in order to broaden horizons, develop pupil confidence, cultural awareness and foster a love of learning. Pupils access a wide range of opportunities including: 

  • Forest School and outdoor learning. 

  • Community visits and educational trips. 

  • Performing arts and creative activities. 

  • Enterprise projects, themed events and fundraising. 

  • Sports and physical activities. 

  • After-school and lunchtime clubs. 

  • Volunteering and community projects. 

  • Duke of Edinburgh opportunities, where appropriate. 

These experiences help pupils build independence, develop social skills and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom. 

 

Active Citizenship and Community Engagement

We aim to develop active citizens who understand their role within their community and wider society. Pupils learn about democracy, mutual respect, individual liberty, the rule of law and tolerance through meaningful real-life experiences. Community partnerships, civic projects, environmental initiatives, enterprise activities and volunteering opportunities allow pupils to contribute positively and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. 

Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, pupils develop their understanding of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education and Fundamental British Values. Opportunities such as pupil leadership, school councils, Youth Elections, community projects, volunteering and enrichment activities help pupils experience democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect, tolerance and the rule of law in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. 

 

Preparation for Adulthood

Preparation for Adulthood is embedded across every pathway and is tailored to individual needs and aspirations. From the earliest stages, pupils develop the practical, social and emotional skills needed for future success. Opportunities include: 

  • Careers education and aspiration building. 

  • Work-related learning and work experience.

  • Independent living and life skills. 

  • Travel training where appropriate. 

  • Enterprise and vocational learning. 

  • Community participation. 

  • College links and transition programmes. 

  • Self-care and personal independence skills. 

Our aim is for pupils to leave Cleaswell Hill with the confidence, independence and skills needed to access further education, employment, training and meaningful community participation. 

 

The Impact

Through our commitment to personal development and wellbeing, pupils become more confident, resilient, communicative and independent. They develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, build meaningful relationships and learn how to contribute positively to the world around them. Personal development is not a separate aspect of school life at Cleaswell Hill; it is embedded through our curriculum, enrichment opportunities, therapeutic support, family partnerships and preparation for adulthood. 

As a result, pupils leave us better prepared for the next stage of their education and for adult life, with the knowledge, skills, confidence and wellbeing needed to flourish.