Pastoral Information
Northgate is an inclusive school which offers a range of support and provisions for children with Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND), as well as pupils needing additional nurture and pastoral care. We have a sensory room and a full time Pastoral Lead. In addition, the school has a programme of Circle Time, Wellbeing and PSHE lessons which allow children to share ideas and talk through any difficulties that may arise.
Please see below for further information about how you can support your children at home which offers a range of support and provisions for children.
Looking after ourselves
Looking after your own mental health is just as important as looking after your child's mental health. There are many things that will be causing an increase in our stress and anxiety levels.
The Every Mind Matters website provides expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your own mental health and wellbeing.
Advice for Parents / Carers During the Covid-19 Outbreak
DSPL3 – multiple links updated regularly (East Herts)
Wellbeing Workshop
The SENDCo ran a wellbeing workshop for parents on 15 January 2020. If you were unable to attend the event and would like to receive a copy of the presentation, please contact the school office.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Please see some information below in how to help your children feel good and improve their mental health and wellbeing:
The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
You’re never too young to talk mental health – Anna Freud leaflet
Wellbeing Support for parents/carers - poster
Healthy Young Minds in Herts – what to do when you’re worried etc.
Parent/carer tip No. 1 – Five ways to wellbeing
Parent/carer tip No. 2 – omitted as this is only relevant for young adults ages 16+
Parent/carer tip No. 3 – How to stay emotionally healthy
Parent/carer tip No. 4 – Exam stress
Parent/carer tip No. 5 - Listening to your child
Parent/carer tip No. 6 - Sleep
Parent/carer tip No. 7 – Autism and anxiety
NHS PowerPoint - How to support your child's transition back to school after lockdown
Partnership for Children - Activities to help your child deal with their feelings and reactions to the Covid-19 situation
MindEd for Families - Should I be concerned or worried?
Place2Be - Wellbeing activities for families
Mindfulness for Children
There are lots of different resources available to support children with mindfulness. These a just a small selection to get you started:
Peace Out - guided relaxation for younger children (YouTube)
Cosmic Kids – guided relaxation combining yoga and mindfulness (YouTube)
School Health
You can refer your child to the School Nursing service for a range of different health issues. Please see the referral guidance and criteria below for further details:
General School Nursing Information
Referral guidance and criteria for parents/carers
Health for Kids website – child friendly information, activities and games
ASPECTS
You are able to make a self-referral to ASPECTS who are a team of family support workers (based in Bishop’s Stortford) who can help with a wide range of family challenges, including: positive attitudes to school learning; attendance, risk of exclusion, behaviour at home and in school, transition, family relationships, physical and mental health including emotional wellbeing and bereavement.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service (for children under 5)
You are able to access a range of support through the Hertfordshire Family Centre Service which includes:
- One-to-one family support in your home or Family Centre focused on a specific part of family life you would like help with (for example, positive behaviour strategies, My Baby's Brain and parental emotional wellbeing)
- Parenting courses or other Family Centre sessions that might be right for you
- Support around developing Healthy Relationships
- Support when you are pregnant
- Support your own well-being and confidence
- Suggest fun activities for your family to enjoy at home which will support your child's learning and development
- Signposting to wider services such as financial worries, debt management and Citizens Advice Burearu
Counselling – Age 10 +
Kooth is funded to provide free online counselling to 10 to 25 year olds with a GP in Hertfordshire. Kooth’s counsellors and therapists are available until 10pm, 365 days a year. Users can also talk to other young people anonymously on the moderated forums whenever they like and keep an online journal.
