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Pastoral issues

Pastoral care is becoming more and more crucial in primary schools because of the range of pressures and dangers that children can face. We offer a range of best practice articles and case studies ranging from mental health and counselling, to anti-bullying work and fostering community cohesion.

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Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children

Pikemere School has been working to prioritise issues of Attachment as well as social, emotional and mental health challenges. Emma Lee-Potter explains how the school trains its staff and supports pupils

Is your uniform policy fair on your families?

Does your school’s required uniform put your families under financial pressure and give mixed messages about the spirit of equality? Fiona Aubrey-Smith and Emma Goto investigate

Vulnerable pupils: Creating safe spaces in the school environment

A growing concern for vulnerable pupils has led to the creation of safe spaces, or sanctuaries, at Ripley Infant School as well as a focus on Attachment Theory. Paula Doleman and Kathie Skermer explain

Understanding and supporting SEMH pupils

Drawing on the outstanding work of Adelaide School, a special provision in Cheshire catering for pupils aged nine and upwards, Sarah Barlow offers advice to mainstream schools on supporting students who face social, emotional and mental health challenges

Supporting your pupils with medical needs

Many schools work hard to make the best provision they can for young people with medical needs, but it is not always easy. Jackie Wheatley highlights key areas of best practice, considers some of the legal requirements placed on schools, and offers her advice

Time-out and isolation under scrutiny

At the National Education Union annual conference, delegates recounted stories about school isolation rooms filled with SEND children. It seems that the use of ‘time-out’ or ‘reflection rooms’ is increasing at primary level. Suzanne O’Connell looks at this growing trend and its place in school ...

Supporting previously looked after children

Previously looked after children can present particular challenges and schools are required to have a ‘designated teacher’ in place. Darren Martindale offers us best practice advice

Getting transition right for vulnerable pupils

We all know that transition to year 7 can lead to a dip in student outcomes. Daniel Sobel speaks to Jez Piper about how we can get transition right, particularly for our most vulnerable pupils

The rising tide of sensory troubles: Low-level behaviours (part 3)

In this three-part series, inclusion specialist Joanna Grace addresses the sensory challenges that many pupils face. In her final article, she considers some of the smaller sensory behaviour challenges and offers us some classroom strategies

Adverse childhood experiences and the implications for schools

Half of children will live through an adverse childhood experience and around one in 10 will suffer four or more. How can schools support these young people? Lynn Miles, who suffered ACEs herself, explains more and offers her advice

What can schools do to lessen the impact of knife crime on pupils?

The knife crime epidemic is having a huge impact on communities and is leaving our youngest children frightened and anxious. A group of schools is now convening a summit in June to discuss the role of primary schools in reassuring and supporting pupils and their families. Fiona Aubrey-Smith reports

Three pastoral challenges: What would you do?

Inclusion expert Daniel Sobel outlines three common pastoral challenges that he comes across in schools and discusses how he would approach each situation in order to achieve positive outcomes

What is behind the spike in home education?

A notable spike in the number of pupils being home educated has sparked suspicions that a minority of schools are using ‘off-rolling’ practices. Suzanne O’Connell looks at the figures, recent research and the background of home education in England

Taking measures to avoid permanent exclusion

When the behaviour challenges presented by a pupil spiral so far out of control, there is only one solution – isn’t there? Daniel Sobel discusses how we can avoid turning to the last resort

In defence of the staffroom

When it comes to staff wellbeing, the staffroom plays a crucial role. Kate Sarginson offers some ideas to give staff morale and wellbeing a boost

The rising tide of sensory troubles: Explosive behaviours

In a three-part series, inclusion specialist Joanna Grace addresses the sensory challenges that many pupils face. In part two, she considers explosive sensory behaviours – and how not to react

Ofsted and our wellbeing

Consultation over the draft Education Inspection Framework will close soon. Philippa Stobbs looks at the potential within the proposals to foster better teacher and pupil wellbeing

Three school safeguarding priorities in 2019

Three key safeguarding issues for schools in 2019 are honour-based abuse, bullying and mental health. Dawn Jotham shares her insights into these three areas and provides practical tips that school communities can implement in order to deliver best-practice safeguarding

Helping vulnerable pupils to handle the transitions of school life

The challenges of the many transitions that pupils go through in school can be incredibly difficult to overcome for vulnerable young people. Nicola Marshall offers some useful strategies

Dealing with incidents of sexual assault in schools

Preventing and responding to incidents of child-on-child sexual assault is a key part of safeguarding in the primary school environment. Emma Banister Dean offers a practical guide for schools and parents

Therapeutic schools: Rethinking lunch and break times

Continuing her regular series, expert Shahana Knight advises schools on supporting the emotional and mental health of children and staff, offering easy-to-implement and cost-effective activities. Here she focuses on rethinking lunch times and your outdoor spaces

Pastoral issues

Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children

Is your uniform policy fair on your families?

Vulnerable pupils: Creating safe spaces in the school environment

Understanding and supporting SEMH pupils

Supporting your pupils with medical needs

Time-out and isolation under scrutiny

Supporting previously looked after children

Getting transition right for vulnerable pupils

The rising tide of sensory troubles: Low-level behaviours (part 3)

Adverse childhood experiences and the implications for schools

What can schools do to lessen the impact of knife crime on pupils?

Three pastoral challenges: What would you do?

What is behind the spike in home education?

Taking measures to avoid permanent exclusion

In defence of the staffroom

The rising tide of sensory troubles: Explosive behaviours

Ofsted and our wellbeing

Three school safeguarding priorities in 2019

Helping vulnerable pupils to handle the transitions of school life

Dealing with incidents of sexual assault in schools

Therapeutic schools: Rethinking lunch and break times

Supporting looked after children in your school

What can schools do about pollution?

Vulnerable pupils: Parent-school meetings

When a young person opens up to you...