At Nyth y Deryn, supporting our learners' mental health and wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is grounded in trauma-informed practice, with an understanding of each child's family dynamics central to how we work. We believe that the foundation for engaging every learner lies in building strong, positive, trusting relationships with staff — relationships where children feel safe, valued, and understood.

To nurture these relationships, we draw on a range of strategies, with play at the centre of our practice. Research into child development shows that playful, positive interactions in the morning help release happiness-inducing chemicals in the brain, supporting emotional regulation and readiness to learn. That's why play is woven into our daily routine from the very start of the day, helping learners arrive at a calm, settled and positive state of mind.

Our play activities are varied and responsive to each child's interests, and include:

• Bubble painting and sensory art

• Making playdough and other tactile, hands-on activities

• Imaginative and role-play games

• Outdoor and physical play

• Music, movement and creative exploration

These activities are carefully chosen to foster connection, joy, and emotional wellbeing, while also supporting the development of communication, social skills, and self-regulation. Staff are trained to use these moments to build rapport, notice how each child is feeling, and respond to their individual needs.

By embedding play and relationship-building into our everyday practice, we aim to create a nurturing environment where every learner feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive — both academically and emotionally.

We provide learners with access to a variety of regulation spaces to support them when they are feeling sad, angry, or frustrated. These include:

• Outdoor play and regulation areas

• Calming garden spaces, including our outdoor teaching classroom

• Wellbeing and sensory rooms throughout the school

• Animal therapy with Oreo, our full-time school companion

Each of these spaces is designed to offer a safe, peaceful environment where learners can relax, reflect, and regain their emotional balance.

In addition, we have a dedicated Achievement Team who work alongside teaching groups, small bespoke groups or on a one to one basis with learners if they require extra support. 

Introducing our onsite therapy dog, Oreo. He works with us everyday and is always keen for new adventures and friends!

Oreo is a bouncy playful bundle of fun. He is available for 1-1 interventions where needed, he can work with class groups or is happy to have whatver fuss is on offer! Nyth y Deryn provides a wide range of animal therapy options. This may be as simple as learners taking Oreo into the garden; letting him run around, play ball and take him for a walk or even getting him to talk using his buttons!

Oreo has achieved his Bronze and Silver Good Dog Award and is currently working towards his Gold!