Pastoral support
Who can I ask for help?
All of the staff at Holy Family will help you with any questions or worries you, your child or your family may have. We are very lucky to also have a dedicated pastoral lead who can provide a range of information on how we can support you with your day to day needs.
We also have a range of support networks within school to support our children. PLease see below for more details.
ELSA - Emotional Literacy Support Assistant
There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning, and some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
We are lucky enough to have a qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistant at Holy Family Catholic Primary and Nursery School. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games, role-play with puppets or arts and craft.
Recognising emotions
Self-esteem
Social skills
Friendship skills
Anger management
Loss and bereavement
If we feel your child may benefit from an opportunity to attend an ELSA group then their class teacher will let you know. We are certain that the children will enjoy and benefit greatly from access to this recognised effective intervention.
If YOU feel that your child may benefit from this opportunity, please contact us on 01793 521933 or email pastoral@holyfamily.swindon.sch.uk
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant:
Helpful Links
Our Sensory Room
We are very lucky to have our sensory room very own 'Sensory room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
Drawing and Talking
Drawing and Talking is a therapeutic intervention for children, young people and adults. It is designed as a short-term, time limited, pro-active intervention intended to complement, rather than replace, the work of specialist mental health services.
Young Carers
(View the Holy Family Young Carers Policy and other policies here)
Young Carer: children and young people, up to the age of 18, whose lives are affected by looking after someone. This may include physical or learning disabilities, long term illness, mental health illness, or drug or alcohol challenges. This may be a parent, brother, sister or other family member.
If you feel your child may be a Young Carer please let us know so that we can help. You can contact us on 01793 521933, or email admin@holyfamily.swindon.sch.uk
Community Taster Courses
Free School Meals
Is it sometimes hard to find the money to give your child a packed lunch?
Have you ever wondered if he/she may be entitled to Free School Meals at Holy Family?
Have you never asked about it because of having to fill in forms?
Please let me help!
If you are receiving certain benefits, (we can check for you) completing one simple form could allow your child (ren) to eat a hot dinner every day at NO cost to your family.
If you think you could be entitled to this, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01793 521933, or send an email to admin@holyfamily.swindon.sch.uk