What is Pastoral Support?
At Norbreck we value highly the importance of children’s mental health and well-being. Staff within our team help families and children through times of difficulty such as bereavement, separation and illness. We work in close partnership with specialist agencies and outside school support services.
What are our aims?
Our aim is to identify any concerns or issues at the earliest possible opportunity and remove any barriers to learning which may be preventing your child from reaching their full potential.
We pride ourselves in building positive and supportive relationships with families and children. We always work hard to respond as quickly as possible to any issues and ensure that difficulties are discussed and resolved in the best possible way.
What areas do we support?
In school, we are able to support children with social, emotional and behavioural problems in a small group or 1-1 setting, carrying out carefully organised activities to meet their needs to overcome any barriers or obstacles in their learning.
The Pastoral Team at Norbreck Academy commonly offers help and support in the following areas:
-managing feelings with bereavement or loss;
-separation;
-dealing with family members who have illness;
-young carers support;
-forming and maintaining friendships;
-building resilience;
-helping with anger management;
-self- esteem and confidence building;
-managing transition.
Who can refer to the Pastoral Team?
For any child causing concern, referrals for support and intervention can be made by the Pastoral Team, classroom teachers, parents/ carers, support staff and the children themselves through a self- referral process. Our PSHE policy states that all children at some point within their schooling with us, might receive some form of support from the Pastoral Team.
How do parents/ guardians contact the Pastoral Team at Norbreck Academy?
The Pastoral Team is the responsibility of the Assistant Head Teacher who oversees all staff working in this context with children in our school.
The first point of contact should be your child’s class teacher. They can be contacted through the main school’s telephone number on 01253 855219.
What do we teach?
Each week children participate in discrete PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) lessons which is part of the National Curriculum for schools. It is a programme through which pupils develop the qualities, knowledge and understanding they need to flourish as individuals, family members and members of society at large. It aims to help them make informed decisions and boost their self-esteem. In addition, we provide opportunities for children’s, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural awareness to be developed. We believe that this is crucial for children and it is crucial for society as a whole. We believe that it is the heart of what education is all about – helping children grow and develop as people. It is part of our day- to-day life in school and the core of everything that we do.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our team.
What children say:
“We talk and learn how to be kind friends.”
“We have fun and it helps me to focus.”
“I feel happy because I know that I am in safe, caring hands.”
“It makes me feel safe. It is fun with the Pastoral Team. It makes me smile.”
“When I work with Mrs. Edgar and Mrs. Hamer it helps me. I feel happy and it helps me a lot.”