At Springfield Community Primary School, we believe that happy, healthy children learn best. Our Pastoral Team is a dedicated group of staff members who support the emotional, social, and mental wellbeing of our children, helping to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

We recognise that children may face a range of challenges at different points in their lives. Our role is to offer understanding, guidance, and consistent support—whether for a short period or over the longer term.

Our Pastoral Team Provides Support Through:

Emotional and Mental Health Support

• We provide regular 1:1 or small group sessions focused on emotional regulation, building self-esteem, resilience, and coping skills.
• Children are taught how to recognise their feelings and develop strategies to manage anxiety, anger, low mood or worries.
• We use tools such as worry boxes, wellbeing journals, emotional check-ins and mindfulness activities.
• Calm corners or regulation stations are set up in classrooms to provide children with a safe space when they need a break.

Social Skills and Positive Relationships

• We support children in developing healthy friendships and resolving conflict through restorative conversations, circle time, and small group social skills programmes.
• Playground support is also available, helping children learn how to play cooperatively and build friendships.

Behaviour Support and Positive Choices

• When children struggle with behaviour, we use a restorative and reflective approach—helping them understand the impact of their actions and learn more positive ways to respond.
• Behaviour support plans and pastoral interventions are personalised to each child’s needs.

Attendance and Punctuality

• Our team monitors attendance and works with families where attendance or lateness becomes a concern.
• We provide support in the mornings for children who may find it difficult to come into school.
• Where appropriate, we link families to local support services for help with routines, housing, finance, or mental health.

Support During Transitions

• Starting a new school, moving year groups, or preparing for secondary school can be challenging. We offer personalised transition support for children who need it most.
• This includes extra visits, ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions, transition booklets with photos and timetables, and 1:1 mentoring during times of change.

Parent and Carer Support

• We work closely with families, building trusting relationships so that children feel supported both at home and school.
• The pastoral team can signpost parents to services such as Early Help, counselling, parenting courses, housing support, and CAMHS.

Supporting Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Children

We are passionate about equity and inclusion. Children who face additional challenges—whether due to economic disadvantage, trauma, loss, or complex home circumstances—are identified early and supported through a tailored, whole-child approach.

 

For children eligible for Pupil Premium, we provide:

• Regular wellbeing check-ins and personalised mentoring
• Targeted academic support and intervention groups
• Support with uniform school trips, equipment and extracurricular activities
• Access to clubs, music lessons, sports, and enrichment opportunities
• Funded places for breakfast club and wraparound care (where appropriate)
• Additional adult support in class where needed

 

For other vulnerable children, we offer:

• Enhanced safeguarding support and links to outside agencies
• Priority access to mental health interventions (e.g. play therapy, counselling, drawing and talking therapy)
• ELSA-trained staff (if applicable) or nurture provision
• Support for children with care experience or those acting as young carers

We track the progress, wellbeing, attendance, and engagement of our disadvantaged children very closely, ensuring no child is overlooked and that barriers to learning are identified and addressed.