St Patrick’s School actively supports the emotional and social development of all pupils. A designated member of staff leads pastoral care. As well as quality first teaching, which ensures staff are always vigilant regarding children’s needs, school employs a fully qualified counsellor to work on a 1:1 basis. Additional counsellors focus on positive relationship and resilience within friendship groups. Friendship and resilience workshops are incorporated periodically into the school year to model strategies for pupils to use when resolving issues. Staff are always on hand to support. Playground Pals have also received specialist training to offer assistance to peers and feedback to adults, if necessary. Playground Pals are easily identifiable to all pupils with highly visible jackets. School also operates a ‘Buddy’ system where oldest and youngest pupils are paired together to provide additional care and guidance. As a school, we feel this encourages practical, emotional support for the youngest members of our school.
A designated area is set up in school, for any additional 1:1 or small group intervention/assistance, as required. We have a member of staff trained in the delivery of Lego therapy.
Each pupil has access to ‘Worry Boxes’ in classrooms.
School will refer to outside agencies for further support, when appropriate.
