Florence Melly Community Primary School
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An Overview of our Universal Offer…

At Florence Melly Primary School, we are committed to the emotional and academic well-being of every child. Our school’s pastoral approach is designed to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that all our pupils are supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to THRIVE!

Our dedicated pastoral team works closely with children and families to offer a wide range of services, including personal support, academic assistance, and mental health care. This commitment begins the moment a child enters our school and continues throughout their journey with us. We aim to remove any barriers that may hinder their development and provide each child with the tools they need to succeed.

Our Pastoral Team

Our skilled and compassionate pastoral team comprises of:

  • Mr Doyle – Pastoral and Mental Health Lead
  • Miss Campbell – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Assistant SENCO and Pastoral Support
  • Mrs O’Keefe – Deputy Headteacher, Inclusion Lead, Pastoral Team Line Manager and SENCO
  • Mrs Sainsbury – Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead, and Medical Lead

 These professionals work closely with classroom teachers and parents to offer individualised support tailored to each child’s unique needs. We ensure that every child is given the attention they require to progress, both academically and emotionally.

The Role of Teachers and Support Staff in Pastoral Care

At Florence Melly Primary School, we recognise that our teachers and support staff play a crucial role in the pastoral support of our pupils. They are often the first point of contact for children, developing meaningful relationships through daily interactions in the classroom. This close contact allows them to recognise individual needs, identify any potential challenges early on, and provide immediate support. By fostering a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment, our educators not only focus on academic achievement but also on the emotional and social well-being of each child. Their dedication to understanding and responding to the unique circumstances of every child is integral to creating a supportive school culture where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. We have a simple saying at our school…’when we look at your children, we see our own’ and that is the way every child will be treated, as if they were our own! 

Our Extended Leadership Team

Alongside our teachers, support staff, and the pastoral team, our Extended Leadership Team also play a crucial role in supporting the pastoral care across the school. Their dedication ensures that the emotional, social, and physical well-being of our children is always prioritised. The Extended Leadership Team comprises of:

  • Mrs McDermott (EYFS Phase Leader)
  • Miss Karen Burnett (KS1 Phase Leader)
  • Mr Derbyshire (LKS2 Phase Leader)
  • Miss Byott (UKS2 Leader)

This integration of leadership ensures that every aspect of pupil care is addressed and that all staff members work collaboratively to support our pupils effectively.

Smooth Transitions: Supporting Every Step of the Journey

At Florence Melly Community Primary School, we believe that strong partnerships with parents/carers are essential for ensuring the success and well-being of our pupils. We work closely with families to provide consistent communication and support throughout each child’s journey with us. Before a child starts school, we offer personalised transition support to help them settle in confidently, ensuring both parents and children feel prepared and supported. As pupils move between year groups, we provide focused transition sessions to ease any anxieties and ensure a smooth progression through the school. At the end of their time with us, our team works hand-in-hand with families and secondary schools to ensure a seamless transfer, preparing students for the next chapter of their education with confidence and excitement.

Supporting Pupil Well-Being

We strive to foster a school culture of care, empathy, and positive mental health. Through our various support systems, including counselling services, regular check-ins, CAMHS and Seedlings referrals, and our pastoral team, we work to ensure that every child has the emotional support they need to reach their full potential.

We understand that the mental health and well-being of our children are just as important as their academic success, which is why we take a proactive approach in offering early intervention and ongoing emotional support. Our goal is to help our students build resilience, develop strong coping strategies, and feel confident in both their school life and personal growth.

Counselling Services

At Florence Melly Community Primary School, we understand the importance of addressing mental health concerns early in a child’s life. In addition to the emotional support provided by our pastoral team, we offer access to child-focused counselling services. These services are designed specifically for primary-aged children, helping them navigate the challenges they may face, whether it’s anxiety, bereavement, behavioural difficulties, or issues at home.

Our school works in partnership with two essential services in Liverpool: CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and Seedlings, both of which offer targeted support to children experiencing emotional difficulties.

  • CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provides specialist mental health support for children and young people up to the age of 18. They help with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. CAMHS offers individual therapy, group work, and family support. Our pastoral team works closely with CAMHS to refer children who require more intensive support, ensuring they receive the help they need promptly and effectively.
  • Seedlings is a therapeutic service run by YPAS (Young Person’s Advisory Service) in partnership with Liverpool CAMHS. It is specifically designed for primary school children. Seedlings provides counselling and play therapy to children who are struggling with emotional well-being. Through creative play, storytelling, and talking therapy, Seedlings helps children process their feelings, build confidence, and develop coping strategies. At Florence Melly, we refer children to Seedlings for one-on-one sessions, giving them access to this expert support within the familiar and comforting environment of their school.

Daily and Weekly Check-Ins

In addition to formal counselling and mental health services, we maintain a list of children who receive daily or weekly check-ins as part of our ongoing commitment to pupil well-being. These children form part of our ‘TLC list’. These check-ins are provided for students who may not need full counselling services but would benefit from regular emotional support and monitoring.

Our pastoral team ensures that these students have someone they can talk to, whether they are dealing with ongoing challenges or need reassurance to help them feel settled and confident. These check-ins are tailored to the specific needs of each child, providing an opportunity to talk through their feelings, identify any concerns, and offer guidance on how to handle any issues that may arise. This regular interaction helps students build resilience and feel more secure in their school environment.

By providing this additional layer of support, we aim to prevent small worries from growing into bigger problems and ensure that all of our students feel valued, safe, and listened to.

If you would like to learn more about our counselling services, daily check-ins, or any other aspect of our pastoral care, please feel free to reach out to our pastoral team. We are here to support every child, every step of the way.