Pastoral and Emotional Support
In addition to our whole school approach to positive mental wellbeing, we work hard to support children with any additional emotional needs they may have. Our Pastoral Team have worked with children both individually and in group settings to offer strategies and guidance in a number of areas including:
Developing confidence and self-esteem.
Working collaboratively with peers and in groups.
Forming new friendships and relationships.
Responding to challenges and new activities.
Developing a growth mind-set.
Managing anxiety and worries.
Preparation for transition to secondary school.
Developing emotional vocabulary and managing strong feelings.
Navigating changes at home – the birth of a new sibling, home move or change in family circumstances.
Feelings around bereavement.
Body image and the pressures of social media.
Our Pastoral Support Room – The Rainbow Room – offers children a positive environment in which children can participate in targeted wellbeing interventions including Lego Therapy, Drawing & Talking therapy, ELSA and Thrive Support. Drawing and Talking is a gentle, child-centred early intervention designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing and communication. It provides a safe space for pupils to express their thoughts and feelings through drawings, rather than direct questioning. ELSA is a school-based emotional support programme designed to help children understand and manage their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Through structured activities and open conversations, ELSA helps pupils build emotional resilience, feel heard, and gain the confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. The Pastoral Team focus on developing key skills such as emotional awareness, social skills, self-esteem, anger management, friendship building, and coping strategies. The THRIVE Approach supports children’s emotional and social development, helping them become more resilient, engaged, and ready to learn. Grounded in neuroscience and child development theory, THRIVE provides targeted support based on each child’s individual emotional needs. The Pastoral Team use play, creativity, and relationship-based strategies to help children feel safe, supported, and understood. THRIVE sessions are tailored to build emotional strength and promote positive behaviour, enabling pupils to flourish in both their learning and relationships.
The Rainbow is also the setting for our lunchtime Lego Club which offers additional support to children who may value a quieter environment and opportunities to build friendships and social skills in a smaller setting.
