Pastoral Care

As Mr Claxton stated in his Headteacher’s Welcome: ‘At Sacred Heart we work together as a community to provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment where children are motivated to learn, are valued as individuals and encouraged to meet their full potential’.

We recognise that at times additional emotional support may be needed. This could be particularly beneficial when children are going through difficult periods such as parental separation, bereavement, tricky friendships or any other issue that results in challenging feelings and emotions.

At Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, we have a team of people who are responsible for the pastoral care of the children. Mrs Dalton is our Wellbeing Lead as SENCO. Part of her role includes promoting children's safety and wellbeing and co-ordinating specific interventions such as nurture groups or social skills groups.

In addition, we have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Mrs Stokes, who is our Learning Mentor. She has completed a variety of training in order to provide emotional wellbeing and mental health support, either through the class teacher, or if required, in a 1:1 or small group session with herself.

Regular check-ins are an important part of the pastoral care that we offer. Class teachers or teaching assistants will follow up with any children who may need further support if displaying concerning behaviour/ disclosing thoughts of upset. Clear and regular communication between classroom staff and the Pastoral team, ensure the right support is put in place at the right time. Additionally, some children have targeted daily check-ins with a member of staff (trusted adult) whom they have named, to support them in school.

All children are made aware that they can talk with any member of staff should they have worries or concerns, either in or out of school.

At Sacred Heart, we understand the importance of professional learning and the continued professional development of staff on emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is our aim to create a positive culture, which regards emotional wellbeing and mental health as the responsibility of all.

As well as the support given to our pupils, we also actively promote staff emotional wellbeing and mental health.

For the past few years we have also held wellbeing workshops delivered in school by ‘The Conversation’. (http://www.theconversationstamford.co.uk/). The feedback on these, from children and their families has been superb.

Parental support

We recognise that at times life can become quite overwhelming, especially when faced with challenging situations at home, which may include financial difficulties or relationship breakdown. Children can easily pick up on tension and pressures, which can subsequently result in anxiety and confusion. Please do not hesitate to speak to your class teacher, or Mrs Stokes, should you feel it would be helpful for the school to be aware of a particular issue at home.

We have access to a variety of online courses (free of charge) which are very useful in supporting you in the following situations:

Co-parenting (parents living apart)
Arguments at home (parents/carers living together)
Financial stress

Information relating to all of the above can be found on the Pastoral Support display in the reception area, or alternatively speak to Mrs Stokes.

Some families also benefit from Targeted Support (previously known as Early Help). Details of this and leaflets (in a variety of languages) can be found here:

https://fis.peterborough.gov.uk/kb5/peterborough/directory/localoffer.page?familychannel=8-5

Anxiety

It is likely that all children feel anxious at some point during their school experience; this is a normal part of development. Anxiety can be displayed in many different ways, fear, worry, tummy ache, tears or aggression. Children experience anxiety for many different reasons: moving house, homework, parent's separation or friendships and may not want to talk about it because they are embarrassed, scared or ashamed.

As parents, you may worry about how to help. Below is a list of simple techniques to try at home:

Don't panic! Encourage your child to open up about their feelings and give them time to talk.
Encourage good eating (reduce caffeinated, high sugar drinks and foods), regular exercise, hobbies, sufficient sleep and connection with friends. When young people are well rested and relaxed, they will be in a better mental state to handle fears or worries.
Talk to school, sharing a problem gives more opportunities for support.
Don't avoid the things that make your child anxious, accept their concerns but don't empower them. Avoidance reinforces the anxiety. If the anxiety becomes problematic or concerning look at seeking external support via school or your GP

The following website can also provide help and advice:-

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people

Safeguarding

We, as a school, support families accessing the Team Around the Family (TAF) or Child Protection processes, liaising with Social care. The Pastoral team works closely with and can provide links to external agencies should these be required.

We will always welcome you to contact school should you have any worries or are experiencing challenges in school or at home. Any change in home life, no matter how small, can influence the children in school. We are here to support both you and your child.

All information will, of course, be treated confidentially unless there is concern over child safety.

Attendance

Supporting families to help improve the attendance of all our children is a key aim for the school. Mr Claxton and Mrs Valentine work together to help monitor attendance and provide families with support when needed.

Young Carers

Please see our Young Carers page for further information.