Our Pastoral Support Team is here to support children and families, helping every child feel happy, safe and ready to learn.

The team is led by Mrs Victoria Sheppard (Head of School), alongside Mrs Blundell (HLTA and Learning Mentor) and Mrs Rose (Learning Partner and Play Lead).

We understand that family life can sometimes bring challenges, and we are here to listen, offer guidance and help you access the support you need. Whether you have a concern about your child or need help with a family matter, please know that you are not alone.

Contacting our team

If you would like to speak directly to a member of our Pastoral Support Team, please email the school office. 

How can our Pastoral Support Team help your family?

We offer a range of support for children and parents, tailored to individual needs. This may include:

• One-to-one support for children and families

• Small-group support for pupils

• Advice and support with school attendance

• Making telephone calls on your behalf

• Writing letters of support for other agencies

• Help to complete forms for housing, school applications etc.

• Guidance with applications for secondary school places

• A listening ear when you need someone to talk to

• Attending meetings alongside parents and carers

• Signposting families to specialist services and additional support

• Parent groups offering advice, training and support

• Parent drop-in sessions

• Coffee mornings

• Advice and guidance to support children through school transitions

Supporting Our Children

Our Learning Mentor, Mrs Blundell, works alongside Mrs Sheppard to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and make the most of their time at school.

Through understanding, encouragement and tailored support, we aim to build children's resilience, confidence and emotional well-being, helping them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

We can support pupils who may be experiencing a range of challenges, including:

• Transitions and changes in school or home life

• Friendship difficulties

• Family breakdown or challenging family circumstances

• Changes within the family or at home

• Bereavement and the loss of a loved one 

• Coping with illness

• Bullying, including cyberbullying

• Managing emotions and developing emotional regulation

• Building social skills and positive relationships

• Developing self-esteem and confidence

• Worries about moving from primary to secondary school - transition into Year 7

• Other worries, anxieties or concerns that may affect well-being or learning

Every child and family is unique, and we recognise that sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference.

If you have a concern, need advice or simply want someone to listen, please get in touch. Our Pastoral Support Team is here to work in partnership with you to help your child feel supported, confident and ready to succeed.

You don't have to face things alone — we're here to help.

 

The Pastoral Team are also members of the St Mary’s Safeguarding Team and work with the school leaders in matters relating to children’s welfare and child protection concerns. 

Our safeguarding team consists of: 

Designated Safeguarding Lead: 

Mrs Victoria Sheppard (Head of School) 

Deputy Safeguarding Leads: 

Mrs Catrin Battista (Executive Headteacher)

Mrs Hannah Massey (Class Teacher)

Safeguarding Governor:

Craig Thomson