Pastoral support & wellbeing
Our approach to wellbeing
This page covers our pastoral and wellbeing support – including the Nest, Thrive, and emotional and social support for pupils. If you're looking for information about a specific learning need, disability, or our SEND provision, visit our SEND page instead.
At Staverton, we respect and value each child for who they are – not just their academic progress, but their social, emotional and personal growth too. This comes from our Christian vision, rooted in the parable of the mustard seed: that big things grow from humble beginnings.
We know that wellbeing and learning go hand in hand – children who feel secure and supported are better placed to thrive academically, not just personally. That's why wellbeing at Staverton isn't confined to one room or one intervention; it's a whole-school approach, built into how every class and every member of staff works with children day to day.
The Nest is where that whole-school approach becomes more targeted, when a child needs it. It's a safe, calm space where children can explore their feelings, build skills, and get the kind of focused support that's harder to provide in a busy classroom.
What we're working towards
Through the Nest and our wider wellbeing work, we aim to:
- Support the needs of every child, whatever they are
- Promote mentally healthy habits, not just react to difficulties
- Give children a safe space to talk about difficult things
- Build a genuine sense of belonging and acceptance for every child
- Boost confidence and self-esteem by recognising strengths and progress
- Help children build the skills and understanding they need for lifelong social, emotional and physical wellbeing
Areas of support
How does a child access support?
Most support needs are first noticed through everyday conversations between teachers and children, or through our regular check-ins on how every child in the school is doing. If a concern comes up, class teachers begin by using everyday, universal strategies in the classroom – many children's needs are fully met this way, without ever needing time in the Nest.
If a concern continues, it's raised with our pastoral team – including our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, SENCo, Headteacher and Thrive practitioners – who decide together whether a targeted intervention in the Nest would help, and what kind of support would work best.
We would always encourage parents to get in touch if they notice anything at home. We only ever see part of the picture at school, and children can behave very differently in different environments – so if something feels different at home, please talk to your child's teacher. It's often the fastest way for us to understand and respond to a need early.
What happens in a Nest session?
Sessions typically last around 30 minutes and happen at the same time each week, so children know what to expect. Support might happen one-to-one or in a small group, depending on what's most appropriate.
Each session begins with a warm welcome and a chance for the child to share anything on their mind, before moving into the main focus of that session. We use creative, engaging methods to help children explore what they're working on – including role-play, puppets, board games, arts and crafts, therapeutic play, social stories, and simply time to talk. Sessions often end with something small to reflect on or practise before returning to class.
Every child is asked for their agreement before starting sessions – we want children to feel genuinely willing to take part, not simply told to attend. The Nest is also kept private while in use, so children feel safe to talk openly without worrying about being overheard.
Keeping parents involved
Before any targeted support begins, we write to parents to explain what's happening and why. Because these sessions are part of our normal, everyday provision, we don't need to seek separate consent – but if you'd prefer your child not to take part, you're welcome to contact the office or your child's teacher, and we'll support your child's needs in the classroom instead.
If you'd like to know more about a particular intervention, you can always arrange a call or meeting with the member of staff running it. Every intervention is reviewed each term with our pastoral team, so support keeps evolving alongside your child's needs.
The Nest playroom
Alongside our main Nest space, the Nest Playroom is used for one-to-one social and emotional interventions, and also hosts sessions with Nest Play Therapy.
Nest Play Therapy offers one-to-one, child-centred play therapy for children aged 3–12, run by Debbie Moore, our Mental Health Lead and a trained play therapist. It's based within a dedicated playroom at Staverton, set apart from our main classrooms.
Play therapy is an alternative to counselling for children. Rather than needing to talk through difficult experiences or emotions – which can be hard for a child who doesn't yet have the words for how they feel – children are supported to play them out instead, using a range of creative and play-based materials. It's built on a simple idea: that play is the language of children, and toys are their words.
Play therapy can support children through a wide range of difficult or challenging life experiences and emotions – from anxiety, anger and low self-esteem to bigger life changes and adverse experiences. A trained play therapist is there throughout each session to support the child, join their play, and provide a safe, trusting space for them to express whatever they need to.
You can find out more about play therapy on the British Association of Play Therapists website.
The Thrive approach
Staverton is committed to becoming a Thrive school, and we currently have two Thrive-trained practitioners on staff. Thrive is a therapeutic approach that helps support children's emotional and social development, using online assessments to understand each child's needs and build a tailored action plan. You can find out more at thriveapproach.com.
Family support
Support at Staverton doesn't stop with our children – we know families and their wider circumstances matter too. We recognise that everyone faces challenges, and that knowing where to turn for help isn't always easy.
We encourage every family to reach out to us, and we promise to treat every conversation sensitively, always with the best interests of children and adults at heart. Our dedicated pastoral manager, Laura Arlett, is available to support families who need it – you can get in touch at familylink@staverton.wilts.sch.uk.
Some children benefit from pastoral support alongside SEND provision – find out more on our SEND page.
Christian foundations
Our approach to wellbeing isn't separate from our Christian vision – it grows directly from it. You can read more about the theological foundations behind our approach to wellbeing in our full Theological Foundations for Wellbeing document.
