Individual tours are now taking place for Reception 2027. Please call the school office to arrange a visit with our Headteacher, Mrs Lewry. We look forward to welcoming you to Speenhamland School.
Little Dragons Nursery Now Open, for more information click here
Supporting the whole child
At Speenhamland, we believe that children learn best when they feel safe, happy, valued and understood.
True academic success is built upon a strong foundation of emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Our commitment is therefore to nurture the whole child, supporting not only their learning and achievement but also their happiness, confidence, relationships and resilience.
Growing up can bring challenges, and there will be times when children need a little extra help. Our pastoral support aims to ensure that every child knows that there is someone in school who will listen, support them and help them find a way forward.
We want children to understand that it is okay not to be okay and it is always okay to ask for help.
Our Pastoral Support
Pastoral care is part of everyday life at Speenhamland. Staff work closely with children and families to identify concerns early and provide appropriate support.
Children are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult if something is worrying them. This might be their class teacher or another member of staff with whom they feel comfortable.
Our support may focus on areas such as:
Our approach recognises the close relationship between wellbeing, behaviour, attendance and successful learning.
Peer Mediators
We also recognise the important role children can play in supporting one another.
Children in Years 5 and 6 undertake Peer Mediator training, enabling them to help younger children resolve minor friendship difficulties and disputes during social times.
Peer Mediators encourage children to listen to each other, understand different points of view and find positive solutions together.
This does not replace adult support. Staff remain available whenever a child needs help or when a concern requires adult involvement.
Mental Health Support
Our Mental Health Lead Practitioner is Mrs Karen Osmond.
Mrs Osmond provides leadership for our approach to mental health and wellbeing and works alongside pupils, families, school staff and external professionals to help children access appropriate support.
Our school's commitment to this area is well established. Mrs Osmond completed the Mental Health Leadership Programme and works hard in partnership with the Mental Health Support Team to support the Speenhamland Community.
Working with CAMHS and the Mental Health Support Team
Speenhamland has links with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).
MHSTs provide early intervention for children and young people experiencing emerging, mild or moderate mental health difficulties, including worries, anxiety and low mood.
Alongside wider support, we also offer short, termly MHST surgeries, giving us opportunities to discuss concerns and consider appropriate advice and next steps for children and families.
Berkshire Healthcare became the provider of MHSTs across Berkshire West in August 2025 and works in partnership with schools and families.
Working with parents and carers
Parents and carers know their children best, so working together is an important part of our pastoral approach.
If you notice a change in your child's mood, behaviour, friendships, sleep, confidence or willingness to attend school, or you simply feel that something isn't quite right, please talk to us. You do not need to wait until a problem becomes serious before asking for support.
Together we can:
Helping children build lifelong skills
Our aim is not simply to respond when children are struggling. We want children to develop the skills and confidence they need throughout their lives.
Through our curriculum, pastoral provision, positive relationships and wider school experiences, we encourage children to:
We want every child at Speenhamland to know:
Berkshire Healthcare CAMHS Mental Health Support Teams
The West Berkshire MHST supports children and young people with emerging mild-to-moderate mental health needs.
Parents can contact the West MHST on 0300 247 3002 or CAMHSWestMHSTs@berkshire.nhs.uk. Current information also advises families needing urgent mental-health support to use the appropriate urgent-help pathway, including NHS 111 where urgent mental-health support is required but emergency medical treatment is not needed.