Pastoral Support is available to all of our children and families at Burtonwood.  In school, we offer a waved approach to support, which children and families, can enter at any stage.  This support can be suggested by school but also sought by families. 

In classes, all children have the opportunity to access support.  This is where a trusted adult may complete regular check ins with the child and offer them a safe space to share their feelings.  They may support with coping strategies and approaches to managing situations that the child finds challenging.  This is normally delivered by an adult based in the class and can be short term or for an extended period of time. Worry boxes are also available in classes for children to share their worries throughout the day and access to the sensory room where appropriate.

Some children may require further support by our trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and EBSA (Emotional Based School Avoidance) leader.  In school this is Mrs Jones and may include 1:1 or small group sessions.  These are normally weekly but can be more frequent if required.  These normally focus on a particular challenge, that is impacting on a child’s wellbeing, which in turn affects progress, attainment or attendance.  The sessions will have a clear focus to develop children’s understanding of how they can manage situations and emotions.  This work is always started in discussion with families and is completed away from the classroom in a private, safe space, lasting around six weeks. Following this, the child may stay on the program but with check ins rather than sessions.

Mrs Hughes is currently our Early Help Lead in school and may support families accessing support or by seeking more complex support for children who have perhaps faced some form of trauma.  This is targeted work around a challenge and provides children and families with the skills and confidence to help make a positive change for themselves and their own wellbeing and mental health.    

For some children, they may need to access support from external professionals, such as the Mental Health Support Practitioners.  Referrals and decisions for this service will always be sought in consultation with families. 

If your child requires support, or you have concerns regarding their emotional wellbeing, please speak to the class teacher in the first instance.

You may also wish to speak to the school SENDCo, Mrs Hughes, or the Headteacher, Mr Heatley/Mrs Ignatius. They can be contacted via the school office.