Belonging at Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery
At Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery, belonging comes first. We believe every child should feel known, safe and valued so they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Our vision – Unlocking potential, empowering every child to thrive – is underpinned by our WRENS values: Wonder, Resilience, Equity, Nurture and Sustainability. These values shape our culture, our relationships and the way we support children every day.
Our approach to belonging is guided by the Belonging Framework, developed by the 3–18 Education Trust. Alongside The Wenlock Way – our shared language, routines, relational and behaviour curriculum – the framework helps us build a calm, caring and inclusive school community where every child feels they truly belong.
What is the Belonging Framework?
The Belonging Framework places the child at the centre of everything we do. It helps us understand the whole child by bringing together five closely linked areas:
- Learning – ensuring children feel confident, capable and supported
- Attendance – recognising that being in school is key to connection and success
- Behaviour (as communication) – understanding behaviour as a reflection of need
- Mental health and wellbeing – supporting emotional regulation and resilience
- Physical and psychological safety – creating calm, predictable environments
By looking at these areas together, we can identify needs early and put the right support in place at the right time, before difficulties become bigger barriers to learning. This sits alongside The Wenlock Way, which teaches children how to behave, belong and contribute positively to our community through consistent routines, shared language and strong relationships.
What this means for parents and carers
Parents and carers are central to helping children feel a strong sense of belonging. At Much Wenlock, we believe children do best when home and school work in partnership, with openness, trust and shared responsibility.
Through the Belonging Framework, we aim to:
- Help families understand how we approach wellbeing, behaviour and support
- Be clear and transparent when a child needs additional help
- Encourage open, honest communication
- Build a supportive team around every child
Most children thrive through strong relationships, clear routines and high‑quality universal provision delivered every day through The Wenlock Way. At times, some children may need additional or more specialist support. The Belonging Framework helps us ensure that support is coordinated, compassionate and rooted in understanding, always guided by our WRENS values of nurture, equity and resilience.
Find out more
You can find more information about the Belonging Framework, including guidance for parents and carers, on the Trust website:
https://www.3-18education.co.uk/belonging/
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s wellbeing or sense of belonging, please contact us via:
info@wps.318education.co.uk