Support for Families
Pastoral Support
At Cottam Primary School, we recognise that children are most able to learn, flourish and reach their potential when they feel safe, valued, understood and supported. Our pastoral provision is an integral part of school life and is designed to support the whole child – emotionally, socially and educationally.
Our dedicated Pastoral Team, led by Mrs Nicola Ward and supported by Mrs K Lauke and Miss J Baker, works closely with children, families, teachers and other professionals to identify and reduce barriers that may be affecting a child’s wellbeing, learning, behaviour, attendance or ability to fully engage in school life.
Our approach is nurturing, relational and individualised, recognising that every child is different and may need different support at different points in their school journey. We provide children with opportunities to talk, be listened to and develop their understanding of emotions, relationships and behaviour, as well as building confidence, self-esteem, resilience, independence and positive coping strategies.
Our pastoral support can include individual or small-group work, emotional wellbeing support, friendship and social skills, support with anxiety and worries, emotional regulation and behaviour, bereavement and loss, family changes, transitions, attendance and punctuality, as well as support for children who may be experiencing difficulties that are impacting on their ability to learn or feel settled in school.
We also recognise that supporting children often means supporting the adults around them. We work in partnership with parents and carers to understand concerns, share strategies and ensure that children experience consistent and appropriate support between home and school.
Where a child or family requires specialist support beyond the expertise or remit of the school, our Pastoral Team will work with families and relevant professionals to signpost or refer to appropriate external services, ensuring that children and families receive the right support from the right people at the right time.
Above all, our pastoral offer is rooted in the belief that every child matters, every child deserves to be heard, and every child should have the opportunity to feel safe, happy, confident and ready to learn.