Our pupils thrive within a caring, purposeful community where personal development is valued as highly as academic success. We believe the strongest outcomes are achieved when school and home are in close partnership, underpinned by open, honest communication and shared expectations.

Our pastoral approach is rooted in the belief that confident and happy children learn best. We therefore place strong emphasis on developing Mental Wealth – a proactive, long-term approach to emotional wellbeing that equips children with the skills, attitudes and resilience they need to thrive both now and in the future.

Mental Wealth at Willington

Mental Wealth goes beyond mental health. It is about creating:

• Secure relationships with trusted adults and peers
   
• A strong sense of self-worth and belonging
   
• Emotional literacy and the ability to name and manage feelings
   
• Resilience, perseverance and healthy responses to challenge
   
• Kindness, empathy and positive social connection
   
• Confidence to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them
   

These qualities are woven through daily school life and are reinforced consistently through our four core values of respect, kindness, humility and honesty.

The Central Role of the Class/Form Teacher

At the heart of our pastoral provision sits the Class Teacher (pre-prep) and Form Teacher (prep). This is the key adult for every child and the first and most important point of contact for pastoral care.

Class/Form Teachers know their children exceptionally well. Through daily interaction, careful observation and purposeful conversations, they provide guidance, reassurance and challenge, building strong and trusting relationships over time. They play a vital role in:

• Supporting children emotionally and socially on a day-to-day basis
   
• Noticing small changes in behaviour, confidence or wellbeing
   
• Maintaining close communication with parents
   
• Ensuring children feel known, valued and understood
   

This consistent relationship is particularly powerful in a primary setting and is fundamental to children feeling safe, secure and ready to learn.

Monitoring & Support

From Year 1 onwards, we monitor emotional and social development using the annual PASS survey. This allows us to identify strengths, emerging needs and patterns over time, ensuring support is timely, proportionate and effective.

Class/Form Teachers work closely with the Deputy Head - Prep, and Deputy Head - Pre-Prep to review wellbeing regularly and to plan appropriate pastoral support where needed. Our behaviour policy and anti-bullying procedures are followed rigorously and we are fully committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, happy and respected at school.

Pastoral values and expectations are reinforced through form time, PSHE, assemblies and the wider life of the school. We also work in partnership with parents, recognising that consistency between home and school is vital in developing emotionally wealthy children.

To ensure our approach reflects current research and best practice, we work closely with Tooled Up Education and Dr Kathy Weston, providing guidance and training for both staff and parents.

ELSA Support

We are pleased to offer the ELSA programme as part of our wider pastoral provision. ELSA, Emotional Literacy Support Assistant, is a well-established programme developed by educational psychologists and delivered by trained members of our staff.

ELSA provides targeted support for children who may benefit from additional help in areas such as emotional regulation, friendships, confidence and managing change. This work complements the daily care provided by staff and ensures children are supported in a thoughtful, structured and age appropriate way.

 

Matrons

Our full-time Matrons looks after those with minor illnesses or injuries and administer First Aid when necessary.  In the event of a child feeling unwell, they will be sent to our warm and friendly Matrons to oversee their care while liaising with their parents.   Matrons also dispense any prescribed medication required throughout the school day.