Pastoral Care

At Heathfield Primary School, we are committed to the emotional well-being and holistic development of all our children. We provide a variety of pastoral support systems to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive both academically and personally. Our approach to pastoral care includes several key initiatives:

1. PSHE Curriculum

Our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education is taught weekly and plays a vital role in supporting children’s development. Through PSHE lessons, children are guided on how to build and maintain positive relationships, understand who their trusted adults are, and how to seek support when needed. The curriculum also promotes healthy lifestyles, focusing on both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, children are introduced to themes about living in the wider world, helping them understand their roles within their community and society. This structured approach equips children with essential life skills to handle challenges and make informed decisions.

2. Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation framework is embedded in each class to help children identify and communicate how they are feeling. This system provides children with tools to self-regulate their emotions and understand that it’s normal to experience a range of feelings throughout the day. By giving children the language to express themselves, they are better equipped to navigate their emotions and learn strategies to move between different zones in a healthy manner. This empowers children to understand their own emotional states and respond more effectively to challenges.

3. Mindful Moments

Throughout the school day, children have the opportunity to participate in ‘Mindful Moments’, which provide practical examples of how to manage feelings and emotions. These short sessions offer breathing techniques, visualisation exercises, and moments of meditation, allowing children to refocus and calm their minds. This mindful practice helps children develop resilience, improves concentration, and promotes emotional regulation, leading to better overall well-being.

4. Worry Boxes

To ensure that children always have a safe way to voice their concerns, we have placed Worry Boxes around the school. These allow children to confidentially post any worries or issues they may be facing. This system provides an anonymous and non-threatening outlet for children to express their feelings, ensuring that any concerns are addressed by staff in a timely and supportive manner.

5. Drawing and Talking Therapy

Our trained staff offer Drawing and Talking therapy, a therapeutic approach that allows children to explore and process any issues in a safe environment. Through this creative method, children are encouraged to express themselves through drawing, which helps them communicate their feelings without the pressure of verbal expression. This safe space allows children to open up, process difficult emotions, and receive the support they need in a non-judgmental setting.

At Heathfield, we believe in nurturing the whole child, and our pastoral support is designed to provide a secure foundation for their emotional and social development. We are proud to offer these supportive structures to ensure that every child can flourish, both in and outside the classroom.