Meet the Pastoral Team

Mrs Brownlee is our Pastoral Lead

She organises the team, liaises with parents and coordinates support from other agencies and organisations.

 "I'm here to support you through all aspects of school life, both in and out of the classroom. You can come to me if you're feeling overwhelmed, worried about friendships or just need someone to talk to. I've worked in pastoral for many years and enjoy helping children build confidence and feel more settled in school. 

Outside of school I enjoy walking my dog, Marley and spending time with my family."

 Miss Allan is our Year 5 Pastoral Assistant

 "I really enjoy working in year 5, helping all our children settle into life at our school. I'm always around if you need a chat or a bit of support during the day. You can come to me if you're feeling anxious, having a tough day, or just need a quiet space to reset.

I love swimming and going for walks, and if ever I'm feeling down, I like spending time with my friends."

Mrs Burke is our Year 6 Pastoral Assistant

 "I love working with children in year 6, helping them to feel calmer, more confident and ready to learn. You can come to me if ever you are feeling worried, a bit down, or are unsure about something. I am here to listen and support you.

I love all things arty, drawing, knitting and crochet, and I am really interested in wildlifeoften spend time walking in the woods near my home."

Mrs Evans is our Year 7 Pastoral Assistant

 "I'm always happy to help if you're having a difficult day. I can offer a listening ear or a safe space to sit and talk. If you're worried about friendships, or feel you're not coping with school life, I will do my best to support you and help you feel more confident.

At home, I like spending time with my family and reading a good book."

Take a look at our Pastoral Room

Our pastoral room is a calm, welcoming space

where children can take time out when they need it.

It's a place to pause, talk things through, or simply have a quiet moment away from the busy school day. Children might come here if they're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just in need of support to reset. You will find plenty of soft seating, calming resources and sensory tools to help reassure you.

A member of the pastoral team is always available to listen and help you feel more settled before returning to lessons. Our aim is to ensure every child who visits us feels supported and ready to continue with their day.

The Retreat
     

At break times, The Retreat offers a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the busy playground. There is always a member of the pastoral team there, ready for a game of cards or chess, but if you prefer to sit and read, or chat with friends there are cushions and beanbags to ensure a relaxing break.

Understanding Our Emotions

Everyone has feelings and emotions, and all emotions are okay. Sometimes we may feel happy, excited, calm or proud. Other times we might feel worried, angry, frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed.

Our emotions can effect how are body feels, how we think, and how we behave. Learning to recognise our feelings and finding ways to calm ourselves can help us feel more in control, ready to learn, play and solve problems.

One way to help our brains and bodies feel calmer is through breathing exercises.

Here's a simple exercise for you to try whenever you need it:

Balloon Breathing

Imagine you have a balloon in your tummy.

1. Sit comfortably and place your hands on your tummy.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for about 4 seconds, filling up your "balloon".
3. Hold for 2 seconds.
4. Slowly breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds and let the balloon shrink.
5. Repeat 3 - 5 times.

Slow breathing like this can help our bodies feel calmer and help us regain control of big emotions.

Wellbeing at Westacre

Everyday we spend 10 minutes after lunch focusing on our wellbeing.

Below is a timetable for the different activities

we do throughout the week.

Westacre Wellbeing Time

This is an opportunity each day to have a little time to get calm, relax and focus on your feelings. Please come into the classroom calmly and quietly after lunch.

Week 1 

 Daily class reading by class teacher

Week 2

 Monday - Mindfulness Colouring

 Tuesday - 5 ways to Wellbeing

 Wednesday - Guided Meditation

 Thursday - Circle time

 Friday - Individual Reading

Action for Happiness Calendar

Take a look at our monthly action for happiness calendar,

packed with daily ideas for happier living.