At Walkley Primary School we encourage children to talk about their thoughts and feelings. Talking about our feelings can help make sense of experiences. Children are encouraged to talk to their teachers and Teaching Assistants in the classroom but we understand sometimes they like to share with someone else. 

Every classroom has a "What I wish my teacher knew" box. Children who have a thought or feeling they would like to share with a trusted adult can post a slip for their teacher to read.

The child puts their name on the slip and can also let us know what subject they would like to talk about (if they would like to do so). Children can also identify other adults in school to talk to. This could be a trusted adult from a previous class, or the Pastoral team in school.

Once completed the child places the slip in the box and informs their teacher or TA that their slip is there. 

If we feel the child needs guidance and support we work in a solution focused where we help children talk and think through the issue and ways to think about it or move forward. 

We follow up in a range of ways which we agree with the child

We may:

• speak to their class teacher 
• speak to their parents
• speak to other pupils in their class. 

After talking to the pupil we ask them to identify how they are feeling using the emotional thermometer. We celebrate their emotional literacy, their resilience and their achievement. This helps the pupil and the staff know if the conversation has been helpful.