Pastoral Support
Pastoral Support
Supporting Children and Families
At Mab Lane Primary School, we believe children learn best when they feel happy, safe, secure and supported.
Pastoral care is at the heart of our school. We know that children can experience worries and challenges at different points in their lives and that sometimes families need a little extra support too.
Our Pastoral Team works alongside children, parents, carers and school staff to provide support when it is needed. Where appropriate, we also work closely with external professionals and services to make sure children and families receive the right help at the right time.
Above all, we want every child to know that there is always someone at Mab Lane who will listen.
A School Where Children Feel They Belong
Strong, trusting relationships are fundamental to everything we do.
We want every child to feel known, valued and cared for and to have trusted adults they can speak to about anything that may be worrying them – whether that worry comes from school, home, friendships or somewhere else.
Our values of Honesty, Respect, Happiness, Positivity, Kindness and Perseverance underpin our approach. We help children understand their emotions, develop confidence and resilience, build positive relationships and learn strategies that will support them throughout their lives.
“Pupils feel safe in the school. They learn important rules about how to keep themselves safe. Pupils have no concerns about bullying. They said that teachers are good at sorting out any problems that crop up. Parents and carers agree. One parent said, ‘Every single member of staff should be applauded for the work they do.’”
Ofsted
How We Can Help
There are many reasons why a child or family might benefit from some additional support.
Our Pastoral Team can help children with areas such as:
worries and anxiety
confidence and self-esteem
friendships and social skills
understanding and managing emotions
bereavement and loss
family changes or separation
difficulties with behaviour or emotional regulation
attendance and barriers to coming to school
transitions and changes
any worries at home or at school.
Sometimes a child simply needs a safe space and a trusted adult to talk to.
Support is always considered according to the individual needs of the child. This might involve one-to-one support, small-group work, regular check-ins or activities designed to help children explore their thoughts and feelings.
Sessions may include talking, games, creative activities, stories, role play and other age-appropriate approaches.
Supporting Our Families
Our pastoral support extends beyond the classroom.
We recognise that difficulties experienced by families can sometimes affect children's wellbeing and their ability to learn. We therefore work closely and sensitively with parents and carers to understand what support may be helpful.
This might include:
listening and offering practical advice
helping families access additional support
signposting to local organisations and services
supporting families with attendance
working alongside other professionals
helping families access Early Help where appropriate
providing ongoing support during difficult periods.
There is no judgement in asking for help. We want families to feel comfortable approaching us, whether they have a significant concern or simply need someone to talk to.
Working With Other Services
Sometimes children and families benefit from support beyond what school can provide.
With families, and where appropriate, we work with a range of professionals and external agencies to help ensure children receive the support they need.
Our role may include making referrals, attending meetings, sharing appropriate information, coordinating support or simply helping families understand what services are available.
Whatever the circumstances, our focus remains on achieving the best possible outcome for the child.
How Can My Child Access Pastoral Support?
Children do not need to wait for an adult to notice that something is wrong.
Any child at Mab Lane can ask to speak to a member of our Pastoral Team if they have a worry or simply feel that they need someone to talk to.
Class teachers and other members of staff may also identify that a child could benefit from some additional support and will work with our Pastoral Team to make sure this is available.
How Can Parents and Carers Ask for Help?
If you are worried about your child or feel that your family may benefit from some additional support, please talk to us.
You can speak to your child's class teacher, contact a member of our Pastoral Team or get in touch through the school office.
Telephone: 0151 259 4282
Email: admin-office@mablane.co.uk
No concern is too small. Early conversations can often prevent worries from becoming bigger difficulties.
The Mab Lane Family
Pastoral care is not something that happens separately from learning – it is an essential part of helping children thrive.
We want our children to grow into happy, confident and resilient young people who understand themselves, care about others and know when and how to ask for help.
By working together with children and families, we aim to ensure that every child feels that they belong, they are valued and there are people around them who care.
It is all part of our commitment to giving every child Only the Best.