Pastoral Care
Link to Extended school activities
Hello. My name is Mrs Eccles and I am Deputy Head here in school.
I have responsibility for the Pastoral care of our children.
The Pastoral Care dimension of the school is of paramount importance and involves all children and adults who participate in the daily life of the school. Strong emphasis is placed upon the creation of a supportive atmosphere and children are encouraged to strive to achieve their personal, social and academic goals.
It is important that pupils gain maximum benefit from their time at St Mary's RC Primary School so that independence, responsibility, self-discipline, self-respect and consideration for others can be fostered. It is our belief that Pastoral Care is not only at the heart of the working ethos of the school but that it should be at the forefront of all levels of decision making. It is not a timetabled subject but permeates all aspects of school life.
Pupils feel safe and secure because, in their words, 'Everyone is friendly here and we all try to make new pupils happy when they arrive.' Indeed 'the buddy corner', play leaders and the school council do much to support younger pupils and to make sure they can take full advantage of everything the school has to offer. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Their behaviour is good and they have a sensitive regard for both their classmates and for the adults who work with them. They are always concerned, through a number of projects, to take care of the environment. For example, pupils have awards for walking and cycling to school and grow produce in their own allotment. They benefit from a variety of visitors to the school and from developing links with schools in other countries. They have a good awareness of religions and cultures different to their own. They have an excellent understanding of why it is important to eat healthily and to keep fit. As result of the school's rigorous efforts, attendance has improved. It is average and rising. Pupils arrive punctually, eager for the challenges of the day ahead. Their good academic achievement and the school's emphasis on supporting them fully when they transfer to high school demonstrate that they are well prepared for the next stage in their education.
In the words of parents, 'The school provides an environment in which pupils feel safe and looked after and which gives them confidence to learn.' Care and support are excellent... the talented team of learning assistants does all it can to make sure that pupils, who sometimes find their work difficult and those identified as vulnerable, feel valued. Child protection and safeguarding procedures are rigorous and fully meet current guidelines.
Children will be encouraged to become involved in the full range of activities and through this to find school a pleasurable experience. They will be encouraged to work co-operatively towards common objectives.
Mutual respect between teacher and child will be fostered and teachers will endeavour to find a redeeming quality in even the most challenging child! Children will be involved in a range of differentiated class activities, to allow all to experience success and thus giving the teacher an opportunity to praise each child.
Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to contact their child’s teacher, myself or Mr Heaton if they have any concerns or worries. We encourage parents to share concerns about home circumstances or medical matters which may affect their child’s work or behaviour in school. Any discussions are held in confidence if desired or necessary. An early interventionist approach will be adopted when a problem is affecting the welfare or progress of a child. Parents will be brought in to discuss any problem.
As a school, we maintain a close working relationship with the various outside agencies involved in the care of children. These include the Advisory Service, the Educational Psychologist, Social Services, the School Nurse and the CDC. The school nurse also talks to Year 6 pupils about personal development and carries out a range of regular health and hygiene checks throughout the school year to different year groups.
I'm sure that you have heard of the government's Every Child Matters agenda and here at St. Mary's, we intend to fulfil those aims.
There are 5 outcomes to 'Every Child Matters:change for children' -
Being Healthy so that they are physically, mentally, emotionally healthy, have healthy lifestyles and choose not to take illegal drugs.
Staying Safe from maltreatment, neglect, violence, sexual exploitation, accidental injury & death, bullying & discrimination, crime and anti-social behaviour in and out of school, have security and stability and be cared for.
Enjoying And Achieving so that they are ready for school, attend school achieve stretching national standards at primary,achieve personal and social development and enjoy recreation.
Making a Positive Contribution so that they engage in decision-making, support their community and environment, engage in law-abiding and positive behaviour in and out of school, develop positive relationships, choose not to bully and discriminate, develop self-confidence, successfully deal with significant life changes and challenges and develop enterprising behaviour.
Achieving economic Well-being so that they engage in further education, employment or training on leaving school, are ready for employment, live in decent homes and sustainable communities, have access to transport and material goods, live in households free from low income.
What do we want for your children? We want ...
ANTI-BULLYING ADVICE PERSONAL SAFETY