Pastoral Care at Grimsdell
Pastoral Care is at the heart of everything we do at Grimsdell. Our pupils flourish in stimulating, secure environments that instil confidence and promote wellbeing.
Grimsdell is a nurturing environment where you can feel the sense of community when you step through the front door. We have small classes of approximately 20 with a class teacher and a teaching assistant in every class, ensuring each pupil receives the individual care required to support their pastoral development. All of this is underpinned by our ‘Grimsdell Way’ and Thrive in 5 programme which provide the moral compass that we all follow.
The pastoral care structure in Grimsdell allows Teachers and Teaching Assistants to report any pastoral concerns to the Pastoral Team. This team meets weekly to discuss children and build on strategies already placed. If children need more specialist support, we have a play therapist and counsellors in the team to support individuals or families as needed.
Within our Pastoral care, we teach the children mindfulness with our specialist practitioner. These weekly sessions allow children to add mindfulness to their toolbox in order to support their own mental health.
Holly, our school dog, also provides joy and wellness, and is an emotional regulator for many children. She is especially useful at helping children arrive at school with a positive mindset or to support those who are nervous around animals to overcome this fear.
Grimsdell is a Christian foundation based upon the principles of religious freedom. Our pupils represent a wide range of faiths and cultures. Our assemblies and curriculum place a strong emphasis on moral conduct and mutual respect.
Our Foundation Chaplain offers support to pupils and staff of all faiths and no faith and our weekly Chapel services provide an opportunity to gather as a community to reflect on what it means to live well together.
Most importantly, our staff know the children in our care. A senior member of the team greets each child every day, ensuring they feel valued and setting them up to succeed. Staff are trained in many ways to support children’s needs and we pride ourselves on being attuned to their needs in managing their emotions whilst also equipping them with strategies to support themselves.
Fostering Leadership
Grimsdell children are keen to share their ideas for innovation and change. Each year, Year 1 and 2, (and in the summer term Reception) can put themselves forward to be a part of the Grimsdell School Council. This is the first opportunity the children have in being part of a focussed meeting to discuss and share ideas for change in the school.
In Year 2 children also can become a House Captain. We have three houses that children belong to: Willow, Beech and Oak. Each term the house captain takes on a variety of roles around the school. They can be seen supporting the front doors routines as they help collect donations, select winners of competitions, help collect food donations or deliver a reading at Christmas events. The children are prepared to be involved in school life at any point.
Please click here to visit the Policies and Procedures page where our Safeguarding Policy can be found.
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