Brunel Field Primary School

About the school's work

Essential award: September 2026 

Congratulations to Brunel Field Primary School on achieving the Essential Healthy Schools Award!

Highlights of the school’s work:

• developing a strong understanding of pupils' health and wellbeing needs through regular pupil voice surveys, monitoring attendance and behaviour trends, weekly safeguarding discussions and close partnerships with families and external agencies
• creating a culture where children feel known, valued and supported, with staff building strong relationships across the school and providing personalised support when pupils or families experience challenges
• ensuring pupil voice influences school improvement through School Council, wellbeing surveys, class discussions and worry boxes, with pupils helping to shape lunchtime activities, playground developments and healthy eating initiatives
• taking an inclusive approach to participation by using pupil passports for children with SEND, introducing Widgit communication tools, and providing translation support to help all pupils and families engage with school life
• embedding a trauma-informed approach to behaviour and relationships, recognising behaviour as communication and providing tailored support for pupils experiencing friendship difficulties, bullying or emotional wellbeing needs
• providing a wide range of wellbeing interventions, including ELSA, Drawing and Talking, play therapy, sports mentoring and parenting programmes, helping children and families access support at the right time
• promoting healthy lifestyles through active lunchtimes, gardening activities, active travel initiatives, healthy celebration practices and a growing whole-school commitment to healthier food choices
• prioritising staff wellbeing through wellbeing surveys, Mental Health First Aiders, dedicated wellbeing training and a culture that encourages appreciation, support and open conversations about wellbeing

The school is most proud of:

“(…) the strength of relationships across our school community, with staff truly knowing our children and their families.(…)” “(…) . As a result of our proactive work (…) pupils feel safe and empowered to speak up(…)” “(…) the whole community playing a part in promoting healthier choices (…)” “(…) offering healthier options (…) staff are noticing that parents are choosing to bring in fewer sweets and cakes for birthdays, reflecting a positive shift towards healthier habits across the school community (…)

As a result of working with the Bristol Healthy Schools Programme:

• "The way we run the School Learning Council has been further developed this year to ensure the children's voice has a real impact on the way we run the school."
• "Doing a map survey of places in the playground where children feel unsafe and reassuring them of how staff can help them”
• “Changing the way waste food is collected to keep areas cleaner; having new games equipment for the studio."
• "Parents have been able to discuss a variety of parenting techniques and strategies, build links with other families and also spend quality time with their child in school."