Key Information
Pastoral Care
At The Oaks Primary School we aim to provide the highest quality pastoral support throughout the school. We work as a whole school team to support our pupils to achieve their best, educationally, socially and emotionally.
In addition to our whole school ethos we also have a Pastoral Support team which is made up of Mrs L Trafford-Haigh our SEND & Inclusion Manager, Ms Rozanna Martin our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) with a specialism in art and Miss Molly McGuinness our Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA).
Our SEND and Inclusion Manager is also available to support families through TAF (Team around the family meetings) family support meetings and can liaise with external agencies to support children and families.
The aims of pastoral support at The Oaks Primary School:
- To provide support that meets the differing needs of all children so that each child is equipped with the skills to cope with life.
- To support children to address social, mental, emotional and physical needs.
- To maintain an atmosphere in which children feel secure, are encouraged in their learning, growth and social development and know that they are valued within a healthy and safe environment.
- To reassure parents/carers their children are being educated in a safe and nurturing environment.
- To encourage pupils to recognise and reflect upon our three school rules (Ready, Respectful and Responsible).
- To work with a range of stakeholders, parents, support staff, agencies and other schools to ensure pupils receive the best support to thrive and develop.
The role of the Pastoral Support Team:
- To support and work alongside parents in addressing pastoral concerns impacting on their child’s learning and development.
- To work with staff in ensuring good pupil support and build upon the caring and respectful relationships that exist between staff, pupils and families.
- To provide specialist support for individual children; listening and talking to children who may need support in a variety of pastoral issues, for example, self-esteem and confidence, bereavement, managing feelings, anxieties/worries, separation and developing social and friendships skills.
- Responding to situations as they arise within school.
- Meeting with parents/carers to discuss issues relating to their child.
- To ‘signpost’ families to outside services for appropriate provision and support.
How does the Pastoral Support Team work?
- ELSA sessions (usually between 20 – 30 minutes) can be individual or in small groups and tailored to the child’s individual needs.
- Sessions are fun and might include role-play, puppets, board games, art and craft, therapeutic or social stories and of course time to talk.
- A pupil’s progress will be reviewed on a six session basis.
Contacts:
- Pupils – any child in the school can ask to speak to our SEND & Inclusion Manager or ELSA if they have a problem or a worry at school or at home. They can do this by either approaching the team or by asking a member of staff. A suitable time will then be arranged to meet.
- Parents/carers – if you have a pastoral concern regarding your child then you can phone the school, speak to your child’s class teacher or make an appointment to see Mrs Trafford-Haigh via the school office. Please call the School office on 0151 305 5940 or email directly to lindseytraffordhaigh@theoaks.cheshire.sch.uk
- School staff – an ELSA referral form can be completed and then the pupil will join the ELSA waiting list until sessions are available. More urgent referrals will be given priority.
Useful wellbeing links:
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Support during Covid-19 pandemic
If you feel you require any additional support during this very different to normal time. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You can contact me through my email: Christina.Roberts@theoaks.cheshire.sch.uk or by calling 0151 305 5940
Social connections, alongside exercise, sleep, diet and routine, are important protective factors for mental health. Please find below a list of online resources to help support children at home. Social isolation, reduced exercise and bereavement may affect children’s wellbeing in this period. Resources to promote and support children and young people’s mental wellbeing include:
- MindEd educational resources for adults about children and young people’s mental health which is relevant for parents and carers as well as volunteers, teachers, and other professionals working with children
- Every Mind Matters which supports looking after your own and other’s mental health
- guidance on looking after wellbeing and mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
- guidance on supporting children’s wellbeing and mental health
- Public Health England’s Rise Above platform supports young people.