Pastoral Care

This team is led by Ms Whichcord, our Deputy Headteacher.  Her responsibility is for 'Inclusion'.  Her work is supported by many staff, particularly Mrs Standen our Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Co-ordinator and Mrs Harper our Pastoral Care Manager.  Their work overlaps the SEND Department (see separate SEND page for further information).

Our children are encouraged to make the most of their time at Cliftonville Primary School, so every effort is made to remove obstacles to successful learning and to equip young people with the confidence and skills to be effective learners and effective members of the community.

Our aim is to:

•Provide an environment which will support the emotional health and well-being of all the pupils.

•Support targeted children in developing social, emotional and behavioural skills within the school setting.

•Support and empower families who may be experiencing difficulties.

•Promote relationships and interactivity between parents and school, raising parental awareness of learning and the importance of education

Pastoral Care Manager & School Counsellor - Mrs Harper
Ensuring that all children and families have access to emotional support.

Education Attendance Officers - Mrs Glover and Mrs Sear
Promoting relationships between parents and school, raising parental awareness of learning and the importance of regular attendance.

Learning Mentors - Mrs Brunger & Mrs Higgins
Behaviour Mentor - Mrs Watts
Providing 1:1 and small group support for children.

SEAL Teaching Assistant - Mrs Biggin
Helping to develop children's social, emotional and behavioural skills.

We are particularly proud of our Nurture groups.  Nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for pupils showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties, particularly those who are experiencing disruption or distress outside of school.  Mrs Harper leads this work with Mrs Watts and Mrs Biggins delivering the programme.  We have seen some very positive effects, measured in lots of ways including the detailed Boxhall profile assessment.

Peer Support for children

Peer Mediation - involving Year 6 children managing minor conflicts using non-threatening and co-operative methods that promote inclusiveness, respect and self-esteem.

Class Peer Mediation - supporting new and vulnerable children in their classes. Promoting empathy, inclusiveness and self-esteem.

Buddies - befriending children in the playground.

Peer Mediators, Mentors and Buddies are given training and are monitored by the School Counsellor.

Restorative Justice - is often used, being an innovative approach to dealing with inappropriate and harmful behaviour focusing on building and repairing peer relationships rather than managing and controlling behaviour.

At Cliftonville School we believe that, given the right training and support, children can help their own peers resolve their conflicts.