All of our children have a right to grow up safe from harm

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Pastoral Care at The Grange

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Outstanding pastoral care is integral to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment where all pupils feel valued, supported, and able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally at our school.

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1. Whole-School Culture

• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment:

  • A culture of respect, kindness, and inclusivity is evident in the school's ethos and daily practices.

  • Pupils feel safe, valued, and respected regardless of their background, ability, or personal circumstances.

• High Expectations for Well-being:

  • Clear, consistently upheld policies for behaviour, anti-bullying, and safeguarding.

  • Well-being is prioritised as much as academic achievement, with mental health embedded in the curriculum.

2. Leadership Commitment

• Strategic Focus:

  • The leadership team prioritises pastoral care in the school's improvement plan.

  • Regular staff training on safeguarding, mental health awareness, and effective pastoral strategies.

• Accountability:

  • Designated roles, such as a pastoral lead, mental health champion, or SENCO, ensure pastoral care is a central focus.

  • Leadership monitors the impact of pastoral initiatives and adapts strategies based on feedback and data.

3. Proactive Support for Pupils

• Early Identification of Needs:

  • Regular pastoral meetings to discuss pupils' needs, using data such as attendance, behaviour logs, and academic progress.

  • Robust systems for identifying pupils at risk of falling through the gaps (e.g., through teacher observations or parent referrals).

• Targeted Interventions:

  • Tailored support for individuals and groups, such as emotional literacy sessions, play therapy, or mentoring.

  • Support for vulnerable groups (e.g., FSM, SEND, EAL) that goes beyond academics to address emotional and social needs.

4. Mental Health and Well-Being

• Embedded Mental Health Support:

  • Access to mental health resources, including counselling services, peer mentors, and a trained staff member as the first point of contact.

  • A well-being curriculum, teaching pupils resilience, mindfulness, and coping strategies.

• Pupil Voice:

  • Regular opportunities for pupils to share concerns, such as worry boxes, circle time, or school council feedback.

  • Pupil-led initiatives (e.g., peer mediators) empower children to take ownership of well-being in their school.

5. Partnerships with Families

• Open Communication:

  • Strong, positive relationships with families are built on mutual trust and respect.

  • Regular updates through newsletters, meetings, or apps to share school values and strategies.

• Support for Families:

  • Parent workshops on topics like managing anxiety, behaviour strategies, or online safety.

  • Signposting families to external support services, such as social care or mental health organisations.

6. Safeguarding Excellence

• Robust Safeguarding Processes:

  • All staff are vigilant and confident in reporting concerns, following clear safeguarding procedures.

  • Records of safeguarding issues are meticulously maintained and regularly reviewed.

• Pupil Awareness:

  • Pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe (e.g., online safety, recognising unsafe situations).

7. Celebrating Diversity

• Cultural Awareness:

  • A curriculum and school ethos that celebrate different cultures, faiths, and family structures.

  • Regular assemblies or activities promoting values like tolerance, respect, and understanding.

• Anti-Discrimination:

  • A proactive stance against discrimination, ensuring all pupils feel included and valued.

8. Positive Behaviour Management

• Supportive Approach:

  • Behaviour policies that focus on rewards and restorative practices rather than punishment.

  • Staff model positive interactions, fostering a sense of fairness and respect.

• Consistency:

  • Clear expectations reinforced consistently by all staff, with a strong emphasis on recognising positive behaviour.

9. Transition Support

• Seamless Transitions:

  • Dedicated support for transitions, such as moving to secondary school or joining the school mid-year.

 

Home & School:

We know how important it is to have a strong, positive relationship between home and school. If you have a problem and you’re not sure who or how to talk about it, then they are willing to listen, offer advice and support you.

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Family Matters:

They provide information on various organisations that can support families through difficult times such as bereavement, separation, unemployment and illness.

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​​​Challenging Behaviour:

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At the Grange, we understand that being a parent is not easy, it’s a tough job and not everyone can be expected to get it right all of the time. If your child is presenting challenging behaviour, please don’t suffer in silence. There is support out there for you. Pop in for a chat with them and see what support is available to you.

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Transition to secondary education:

The transition from primary to secondary is a big one and can be very daunting for children and parents.  If you feel your child would benefit from extra transition, please contact Lynn or Donna.

If you as a parent would like advice of different secondary schools or the applications do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

Money Matters:

They can provide support with benefits, support from local charities, accessible grants and agencies that support families on low incomes.

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Wellbeing Ideas:

For wellbeing ideas and support please click the link below.

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If you feel you or your family would benefit from support, please feel free to call Lynn on 01295 257861