Pastoral & Wellbeing Lead
What is Pastoral Support?
As children grow, so do the decisions they need to make independently, and this is just one of the reasons why pastoral care is important. It helps every child develop their personal, social, moral, emotional and intellectual skills.
Pastoral care helps children to gain the necessary life skills to deal with the rising pressures of today's society. When pupils feel supported pastorally they feel content and empowered to deal with their school workload; pupils can deal with more challenging situations and are able to reach their true potential.
This service always works in close partnership with teachers, parents/carers and other specialist agencies to deliver effective intervention.
Parents and carers need support in caring for a young person who is going through emotional difficulties. The family have an important role in ensuring successful support, with positive parental involvement improving the outcomes of many early help interventions.
A Little about Miss Walker, Our Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead
In 2012, Miss Walker began to pursue her passion of supporting children in education. Having personal experience of a child with SEN, she saw the powerful impact school early help intervention can have upon a child’s life and outcomes.
As an experienced teaching assistant and educational professional, working closely with pupils and staff, the importance for delivering early help to those pupils experiencing emotional difficulties became apparent. As a result, she began further training through a BA Hons degree in Childhood and Youth Educational studies and more recently became an advisor for reducing parental conflict. Miss Walker’s other training and qualifications includes:
CAMHS training in:
The Support
Each child’s intervention is tailored to their individual requirements. Before commencement of the work, a full assessment of needs will take place with involvement from all who care for the child. This includes staff, parents/carers and importantly the voice of the child.
The support and potential intervention is suitable for any child and their families who may have experienced trauma or significant change such as bereavement or family separation. It is also suitable for LAC, post-adoption or SEND children.
There is a vast array of interventions that can be delivered, depending on the need of the child. These can assist children who are having difficulties attending school, accessing the school day, both socially and academically, or who’s behaviour is often not appropriate for the school environment.
At times there has been need for participation and involvement with social services including ‘Team around the family’ and ‘Child in Need’. This ensures clear lines of communication to all invested parties to support the wellbeing of the child and family.
As a school, we encourage families to access The Family Toolbox of any guidance. Additionally, you can contact Miss Walker using the details below, and she might be able to signpost parents and carers to external services and support.
Testimonials – Parent, Pupil & Staff
“The work that happened with Miss Walker has made a big difference to my son. He now understands when he becomes overwhelmed and has strategies to calm himself down. And we all help him to use them at home.”
Year 5 Parent
“We have seen fantastic results in our son’s confidence, social awareness and education. This resulted in his immediate friendship group growing immeasurably. We cannot thank Miss Walker enough.”
Year 6 Family
“Miss Walker’s experience and knowledge in children’s mental is vast. She delivers frontline mental health programmes to school children.”
CAMHS Practitioner
“Thanks for everything you have done for me. You have made me feel happy, made me myself and made me smile when I was sad.”
Year 6 Pupil
“We are so lucky to have someone as committed and knowledgeable as Miss Walker on our team.”
Teacher
To contact Miss Walker:
School office: 0151 677 1837 Email: pastoral@greasby-junior.wirral.sch.uk