Early Years 

Wellbeing Spotlight: Managing Big Feelings

Young children experience big emotions, but they are still learning how to understand and manage them. In EYFS, we help children name their feelings and practise simple strategies to cope.

At home, a few small approaches can make a big difference:

• Name the feeling – “I can see you’re feeling cross/sad/frustrated.”
  Naming emotions helps children make sense of them.

• Stay calm and steady – Children borrow our calm. Speaking slowly and quietly helps them regulate.

• Keep language simple – When children are upset, they can’t process lots of words. Short, reassuring phrases work best.

• Offer limited choices – “Would you like a cuddle or some quiet time?”
  This gives children a sense of control.

• Reflect afterwards – Once calm, talk briefly about what happened and what might help next time.

Here are some quick strategies that you can encourage your child to use when they experience those big feelings:

1. Flower & Candle Breathing
Smell the flower (deep breath in)… blow out the candle (slow breath out). Repeat three times.

2. Turtle Tuck
Pretend to be a turtle going into its shell — curl up small, take a breath, then slowly stretch back out.

3. Calm Corner
Create a small cosy space at home with a cushion, soft toy, or favourite book. This isn’t a punishment space — it’s a safe space to reset.

4. Squeeze & Release
Clench fists tight for five seconds… then release. Repeat with shoulders or toes. This helps release physical tension.

It’s important to remember that big feelings are not “bad” behaviour — they are part of development. Learning to manage emotions takes time and repetition. With patient support and consistent responses, children gradually build the skills they need to feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.

Inclusion 

Click on the link to access the Padlet: 

https://padlet.com/agohil5/the-wood-end-primary-school-inclusion-toolkit-b8sdiw0559h1jd1b

1. Parent Workshop: Coordination and Using My Body

• Date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026   Time: 9:30 AM

• Location: Mattock Lane Health Centre

• Details: Hosted by Ealing NHS Paediatric Occupational Therapy.

• How to Sign Up: Book via the Eventbrite link found on the Inclusion Toolkit Padlet in the Parent Workshop, Occupational Therapy section. 

2. Introduction to Internet Safety

• Date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026  Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Format: Online via MS Teams

• Details: For parents/carers of children under 13, delivered by the SAFE Team.

• How to Sign Up: Email parentingserviceadmin@ealing.gov.uk.

3. Parent Workshop: Toileting

• Date: Thursday 5th March 2026    Time: 1:30 PM

• Location: Acton Health Centre (AHC)

• How to Sign Up: Book via the Eventbrite link found on the Inclusion Toolkit Padlet in the Parent Workshop, Occupational Therapy section. 

Ramadan fasting 

Wood End Primary school support children in years 5 or year 6 who are aged 10 and over to fast during Ramadan.  You must inform the school office if you want your child to fast during  this time, if permission is not received the child will not be allowed to miss lunch.  If children become distressed when they are fasting we will provide something to eat and drink.  If Eid falls on a school day and you wish to take a days leave please complete a religious leave request form available from the office.