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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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Safeguarding, behaviour & wellbeing: Trauma-informed practice in schools

The symptoms of ADHD, autism and other common child diagnoses often match those of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Dr Margot Sunderland looks at the implications

Case study: Creating a happy school

Headteacher, John Bryant, was named Happiest School Employee in the National Happiness Awards. Emma Lee-Potter finds out how his school has put happiness at the heart of its work

Persistent absence: What can schools do?

One in 10 pupils are considered to fall into the category of being persistently absent, meaning they miss 10 per cent or more of school sessions. So why do these pupils continue to stay away and what can schools do about it?

Therapeutic schools: Dealing with behaviour incidents

Why do we tell children off? Because we are trying to teach them something. Shahana Knight says that this is best achieved with a therapeutic approach to behaviour incidents

Tackling period poverty: Primary school roll-out

The government has agreed to fund free sanitary products in schools to help end period poverty. Chris Brown looks at what the research says and how schools might approach implementation

Recognising pupils’ feelings and emotions

Learning to recognise feelings and emotions is an essential part of growing up, but it will not necessarily come naturally. Shahana Knight looks at how we can help support our pupils to spot, identify and manage their feelings

Therapeutic schools: Flexible seating?

We can boost engagement and positivity in the classroom by offering flexible seating opportunities for pupils. Shahana Knight explains

Bereavement in schools: When death happens

To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week – November 15 to 21 – Alison Penny considers how schools can be better prepared to support children who are coming to terms with the death of someone close

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

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

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

Pastoral issues

Safeguarding, behaviour & wellbeing: Trauma-informed practice in schools

Case study: Creating a happy school

Persistent absence: What can schools do?

Therapeutic schools: Dealing with behaviour incidents

Tackling period poverty: Primary school roll-out

Recognising pupils’ feelings and emotions

Therapeutic schools: Flexible seating?

Bereavement in schools: When death happens

Is your uniform policy fair on your families?

Attachment and SEMH: Supporting our children

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