Vision Statement
At Westbury Academy, we are committed to nurturing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every pupil can thrive.
We prioritise emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, empowering pupils to build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and achieve their full potential.
Through personalised support, open communication, and a culture of care, we aim to cultivate a community that celebrates individuality and fosters lifelong wellbeing, equipping pupils with the tools to flourish both in and beyond school.
What is Wellbeing?
Wellbeing encompasses a wide range of physical, emotional, mental, and social factors that contribute to a pupil’s overall quality of life. At Westbury Academy we nurture the wellbeing of pupils across a range of different dimensions including physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing.
We support pupils to maintain a healthy lifestyle, develop the ability to manage emotions, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook on life. Through quality relationships and social connections, pupils feel supported and valued within their community.
Wellbeing varies from person to person; we work to build relationships so that respond to individual needs as they present themselves.
Meet the team
Gareth Westray
Assistant Principal and Wellbeing Lead
At Westbury, we are committed to fostering a culture of care, support, and holistic wellbeing for all members of our community. As the Wellbeing Lead, my role is to ensure that every individual—whether staff, student, or stakeholder—feels valued, heard, and supported in their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
We offer a range of resources, initiatives, and support networks designed to promote positive wellbeing, resilience, and a balanced lifestyle. Whether you need guidance, a listening ear, or access to professional support, we are here to help.
Wellbeing is a collective effort, and we encourage open conversations and collaboration. If you have any questions or need support, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can create a positive and thriving environment for everyone.
Laura-Jayne Whitehead
Wellbeing Team
In my role within the school, I provide targeted interventions to support students’ emotional and social development. This includes LEGO Therapy, a play-based approach that helps children develop essential skills such as turn-taking, sharing, listening, and teamwork. I also deliver Drawing and Talking, a therapeutic intervention that allows children to process significant life changes in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, I provide ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) sessions, which help children understand their emotions and how they express them. Through these interventions, I aim to create a supportive space where students can build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships.
Saba Maqbool
Hi everyone, my name Saba – pleased to be here and looking forward to being part of the team!
In school services
Drawing and Talking
Drawing and Talking provides children with an opportunity to express their feelings and emotions on paper and take the time they need to talk about the things within their life that may be causing them some distress. This program is about creating a space where pupils feel safe and about building a positive relationship, which in turns allows the therapeutic process to support children as they progress through three stages and hopefully find themselves in a place where they feel able to manage their emotions in a more positive way.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
ELSA intervention can provide support for children with recognising, understanding and managing their emotions. Therapeutic stories and puppet play. Support with loss and bereavement, self-esteem, social skills, friendship issues, relationships, anxiety and worries, bullying, growth mindset and problem solving. Relationships are key in helping children and young people to feel safe and nurtured. ELSA is about creating a reflective space for the young person.
Lego Therapy
Lego therapy is a play-based piece of intervention which focuses on developing collaborative play skills. To help support children’s communication, language, social skills and shaping emotional and behavioural responses. This therapeutic intervention delivers meaningful, child-centred and evidence-based provision where everyone understands, knows and follows their individual job roles to build upon the required skills.
School Counsellor
At Westbury we strive to place the needs and wellbeing of pupils at the centre of all we do. This includes, among other things, a counselling service and dedicated therapeutic space which is available for pupils to access for either one-to-one therapy sessions, at moments of crisis, or simply for quiet space for those who need it during school or break times. We are proud of our approach and work with staff to support their working relationship with pupils at every stage of their lives at Westbury.
Additional Support for Children, Parents & Carers
Youtube Five more minutes – click here
Nottalone is a dedicated site providing information and support for young people’s mental health across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County – click here
BeUNotts – Be U Notts is a free, accessible, and convenient mental health and emotional wellbeing support service for people between 0-25 years of age and their parent and carers – click here
ASKLION – An online directory for local services. – click here