Well-being
Pastoral Team
The aim of the Pastoral Team
- To provide support that meets the differing needs of children so that each child is equipped with the skills to cope with life.
- To reassure parent/carers their children are being educated in a safe and nurturing environment.
- To maintain an atmosphere in which children feel secure, are encouraged in their learning and know they are valued.
- To support children to address social, emotional and mental health needs.
- To work with a range of outside agencies, parents, support staff and other schools to ensure the continuity and progress of individual pupils.
The role of the Pastoral Team
- Responding to situations as they arise within school.
- To work with staff in ensuring good pupil support and build upon the caring and respectful relationships that exist between staff, pupils and families.
- Meeting with parent/carers to discuss issues relating to their child.
- To ‘signpost’ families to outside services for appropriate provision and support.
- To support individual children who may need support in a variety of pastoral issues, for example, self-esteem and confidence, developing friendship skills, managing feelings and bereavement.
How to access the Pastoral Team
- Pupils – Every child has access to a Wellbeing system in class.
- Parent/carers – If you have any pastoral concerns regarding your child you can speak with the Class Teacher or a member of the Pastoral Team face-to-face, by telephone or by emailing the school office.
- A member of the Pastoral Team is usually available in the school playground before and after school and will be happy to speak with you regarding any concerns.
Pupil Voice
100% of children asked strongly agreed with the following statements-
- I know who to go to if I need support in school.
- I enjoy nurture sessions.
- There is someone at school I can trust.
- Do you think nurture group has helped you to regulate your emotions.
"Nurture group is a great place. It helps me control my anger and emotions. I use the techniques." Amelia
"I really enjoy nurture group and it helps me to calm down when I get upset or cross." Eesa
"I think the walk and talks have helped me and when I do them they make me relaxed and calm." Phoebe
Parent Voice
“Mrs Walker and Mrs Merrick have both supported my daughter throughout a challenging term. She struggles with Anxiety and the classes are helping her think about how she reacts in certain situations. I am seeing change (for the better) in my daughter due to these classes and hope that this will only continue to improve with the caring, and support that both have shown both her and myself.” (Spring 2024)
“I think that the pastoral team are excellent and are always on hand to support both child and parent.” (Spring 2024)
"Mrs Walker has a great relationship with my child and knows how to communicate to her when she is struggling". (Spring 2024)
"Mrs Walker is absolutely amazing, she has been fab with every issue I have taken to her… a huge thank you to her in particular". (Spring 2024)
"Mrs Walker, Mrs Merrick and Mrs Lyles have been amazing and supportive throughout the nurture program. They have gone above and beyond to ensure my child feels safe and supported at school." (Spring 2024)
"My child absolutely loves having Mrs Walker to listen to her worries and needs. She has been through some really tough life events in her time at norristhorpe and there is no doubt in my mind that road would have been a lot more bumpy without the pastoral support Mrs Walker and Mrs Merrick have been able to offer her. It's amazing for me to have a team of professionals in their field who I can lean to when I feel like she needs that bit of extra support." (Spring 2024)
List of useful agencies for families:
Our Nurture Pets
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Two new members of the pastoral team are joining us. Mrs Walker will be bringing them to school most days.
Having animals to care for can encourage empathy, care, responsibility, resilience, love, commitment, confidence and for many children it will be their only contact with a pet as they don’t have them at home.
We are very much looking forward working alongside our newest recruits!
Walk with Norris
We are excited to launch our new wellbeing and community event, Walk With Norris that we have created in conjunction with Romantica beds.