Nurturing Confidence, Independence and Happiness
Edge Grove is a proudly child-centred community, and pastoral care is a central priority in every department of the School, from Nursery through to Year 8. We believe that the welfare, wellbeing and happiness of our pupils are the most important factors in ensuring that they develop as independent and confident learners, destined for success in their futures. For this reason, there is no higher priority than the provision of excellent pastoral care at Edge Grove.
When children feel supported, and are happy and healthy, they are in the best position to face any challenges that they will encounter throughout their education We are relentless in our commitment to pupil wellbeing, and every child knows they will be looked after at Edge Grove, and that we will listen to each and every unique voice in our community. Of course, we realise that life isn’t always plain sailing and things don’t always go to plan, so our experienced teachers and other staff are on hand to support and guide if needed.
Wellbeing
Edge Grove is committed to providing a healthy and caring environment that promotes and supports the wellbeing of our pupils, staff and stakeholders. Positive mental health is vital to what we do at School; it underpins the crucial work carried out to support pupils and their families.
By considering pupil and staff wellbeing in all aspects of School life, a positive, healthy environment can be created that improves pupil engagement, performance and achievement which in turn gives everyone an opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential.
Children today are growing up in a more complex world than the one that their parents experienced as children, and can be exposed to many more influences that are beyond the immediate control of those who care most for them.
The overarching structure for pastoral care at Edge Grove is one of a circle of care with each individual child right at the centre of the circle. These people are on hand to guide and support pupils through any challenge they face: support from parents and friends complements the guidance provided by School staff.
The most important pastoral figures in our pupils’ lives at School are are their Form Teachers and class Learning Assistants who know the children in their care well, and offer day to day nurture and care. Other staff across the School work in close collaboration and communication with parents to ensure that every child feels happy and secure.
Alongside the Form Teacher, the Pastoral Head of Department, the Deputy Head Pastoral, the School Therapist, the School Nursing Team and the wider staff are all on hand to listen to our pupils
The Wellbeing Award for Schools
This year we are working incredibly hard to achieve the Wellbeing Award for Schools. This whole-school award focuses on ensuring effective practice and provision is in place that promotes the emotional wellbeing and mental health of both pupils and staff.
The award focuses on changing the long-term culture of a school, and embeds an ethos where mental health is regarded as the responsibility of everyone.
By working towards this award, our school can:
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Show our commitment to promoting mental health as part of regular Edge Grove life;
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Improve the emotional wellbeing of the Edge Grove community;
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Ensure mental health problems are identified early and effective support provided;
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Offer provision and interventions that matches the needs of the Edge Grove community;
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Engage the Edge Grove community in the importance of mental health awareness;
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Obtain the views of parents, pupils and staff on mental health.
Edge Grove will work closely with the whole of the school community to support positive mental health and wellbeing for all – pupils, staff, parents and families.
Mental Health Champions
Our Mental Health Champions are trained in Mental Health First Aid
Support
In School, we can facilitate access to therapeutic interventions such as Sand Play; Drawing and Talking; Therapeutic Story Writing and Feelings Club.
We can also provide your child with someone to talk to about the day-to-day challenges such as changes at home; exam stress; friendship difficulties or anything that is on their mind. This can be through one to one sessions on Social Communication and Emotional Regulation or as part of our lunchtime Nurture Group which runs in the Learning Support Centre.
If needed, we can also support accessing external services such as bereavement support, parent courses/workshops and Early Help referrals.
