At Park Academy, we use the Zones of Regulation to help children recognise and understand their emotions. By identifying how they are feeling and linking this to practical strategies, children learn how to regulate their behaviour, build resilience, and improve concentration. This approach gives pupils the tools to manage their emotional responses so that they can engage more positively with learning and with others.
Our trained ELSA staff provide targeted support for children who may need extra help in developing emotional literacy, self-esteem, or social skills. Through one-to-one or small group sessions, children are given the time and space to explore their feelings, build coping strategies, and strengthen relationships. This support ensures that every child knows they are valued and can flourish both academically and personally.
We offer Drawing and Talking Therapy as an early intervention to help children process worries, experiences, or difficult emotions. This gentle, therapeutic approach provides a safe and non-intrusive way for children to express themselves, helping them to develop resilience and emotional wellbeing. It empowers pupils to understand their feelings and build stronger foundations for positive mental health.
Every child at Park Academy has access to trusted adults who they can approach whenever they need reassurance, guidance, or support. Building these safe and reliable relationships is key to our pastoral care. Knowing that there is always someone to listen helps children feel secure and confident, enabling them to focus fully on their learning and personal growth.
Through PSHE lessons, children learn the essential skills for life: how to manage themselves, make responsible choices, and understand the importance of respect and care for others. Our PSHE curriculum gives pupils the confidence to navigate challenges, develop healthy relationships, and become resilient, responsible citizens.
Philosophy for Children (P4C) encourages pupils to explore big ideas, think critically, and listen to different perspectives. By learning to express themselves clearly and respectfully, children develop communication skills, empathy and deeper understanding. This helps them to become thoughtful, reflective, and open-minded learners.
Our classrooms are built on inclusive teaching practices, ensuring that every child is able to participate, feel valued, and succeed. Teachers adapt learning to meet individual needs, celebrate diversity, and promote collaboration. Inclusive classrooms strengthen pastoral care by fostering respect, equality, and belonging for all.
As a Rights Respecting School, we actively promote the values of respect, fairness, and responsibility. Children learn about their own rights and the rights of others, empowering them to take an active role in shaping a safe and inclusive school community. This approach encourages pupils to become compassionate, principled, and engaged members of society.
At Park Academy, we place a strong emphasis on celebrating cultural, religious, and individual diversity. Through assemblies, curriculum themes, and special events, children are encouraged to take pride in their own identity while learning to respect and value the experiences of others. We actively promote an environment where differences are not only accepted but embraced as strengths that enrich our community. This celebration of diversity links closely to our Rights Respecting ethos, helping children understand the importance of inclusion, equality, and respect for all.
We believe that the best pastoral care happens when school and home work in partnership. At Park Academy, we build strong connections with families through workshops, coffee mornings, open communication and regular updates. Parents and carers are always welcome to share their thoughts, and we listen carefully to their voices. By working together, we ensure that children receive consistent messages of care and support both at school and at home.
All of our pastoral care sits within a robust safeguarding framework, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child. We are proactive in identifying needs early, offering the right support at the right time. Our Early Help Coordinator works closely with families, staff and outside agencies to provide tailored support for children and parents who may be facing challenges. This joined-up approach means that pastoral care is not reactive but preventative, creating the best possible conditions for every child to thrive.
We encourage children to play an active role in supporting one another, recognising that positive friendships and peer relationships are vital to wellbeing. Through playground buddies, peer mentors, friendship initiatives and Pupils Parliament: pupils are given the opportunity to look out for each other and contribute to a caring school culture. These systems not only promote kindness and empathy but also empower children to become leaders of positive change within their community.