Pastoral

Pastoral Intent

The team at Monkshouse Primary Academy are dedicated in creating a caring and nurturing environment for our children and families. In supporting our pupils we help enable their continuing success in their learning and in their general well-being, making sure that each child is valued as an individual with unique strengths and individual potential.

We are committed to listening to our children and families and supporting them through aspects like falling out with friends, managing their own behaviour and building resilience attending school on time or may be coping with difficulties being experienced out of school.

We pride ourselves on working closely with families in order to support them alongside partners from outside agencies ensuring families can access the early help they need from the most experienced people.

Supporting the children is recognising they have a voice and that their opinion matters. Initiatives such as the academy council provide children with an involvement in how their school runs and provides a listening ear from peers as well as from learning mentors and teachers.

Our ELSA is available for drop ins and / or meetings that can be arranged at the front office or you can call 01775 722006 and ask to speak to or make an appointment.

Pastoral Offer

There are a number of therapies that our ELSA offers to break down barriers to learning  and support pupil transitions within the academy.  Children are carefully selected and supported through:

• Drawing and Talking : This offers a safe and gentle therapeutic approach, which provides an effective way for children to process emotional pain or trauma they may be experiencing.  This 12 week intervention programme involves drawing a picture and processing any emotions they are holding internally, in a safe and non-confrontational way, working at their own pace.
• Drawing and Talking – Sand Play : As above, with the focus for Reception and KS1 children. A child is presented with a sand tray and a wide range of miniature figures to create their own world. The process is entirely guided by the child’s imagination and feelings.
• ELSA Therapy (Emotional Literacy Support) : ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or therapeutic activities such as mindfulness or arts and craft.  ELSA sessions take place in our very own ‘ELSA room’ which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.

Supporting Mental Health at Monkshouse Primary Academy

At Monkshouse Primary Academy, your child’s mental health and wellbeing are very important to us. We work hard to create a safe, caring environment where children feel comfortable talking about their feelings.

What we do to help:

• Trained staff are available to support children who may be struggling with their mental health.
• We work closely with specialist services such as Healthy Minds Lincolnshire to make sure children can access the right help when needed.
• We hold Mental Health Awareness days.

Our approach:

• We follow Department for Education guidance to promote resilience and wellbeing for all pupils.
• Staff are not mental health experts, but we have clear systems to identify concerns early and refer to professionals when needed.
• We know what local services are available and help families access them when necessary.