At Durham Gilesgate Primary School we are committed to ensuring that children have a high level of support for their personal and social development. The thoughts and feelings of the children in our school are of paramount importance to us. We take the time and opportunity to listen to children and parents about any additional support that they may need. When it is felt that additional support or intervention is necessary to support a child’s social or emotional development then we can offer:
- A school with caring, supportive and dedicated staff
- A curriculum and school ethos that has children’s social and emotional well-being at the heart of it. We have a strong universal PSHCE programme (Jigsaw) which includes lessons on emotional wellbeing, and can also support with targeted provision
- A designated member of staff to liaise with the family to provide the support available to help to meet the child’s needs or signpost them to somebody who may be able to help.
- Staff trained in Lego Therapy, Relax Kids, Play therapy.
- Support groups for friendship work and getting along project work
- Access to a counselling services for high levels of need.
- Access to Crisis response and Behaviour Services for high levels of need
- Close liaison with external services where referrals for specialist advice can be made.
- Staff who are keen to research and act upon the suggestions from other professionals, and who keep their professional development up to date (for example recent training in Attachment, Early Childhood Trauma, Emotional Wellbeing, Autism and Anxiety)
- The opportunity for children to select a member of staff as a key person to go to as and when necessary.
- Assembly themes that focus on social and emotional well-being
- A reward system that encourages children to be kind, caring and considerate to others
- Consistent behaviour systems built on emotional regulation taught via Zones of Regulation.
- Celebration of pupil voice in school and a culture of pupil participation.