Macosquin Primary School

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care dimension of the school is of paramount importance and involves all children and adults who participate in the daily life of the school. Strong emphasis is placed upon the creation of a supportive atmosphere and children are encouraged to strive hard to achieve their personal, social and academic goals.

It is important that pupils gain maximum benefit from their time at Macosquin Primary School so that independence, responsibility, self-discipline, self-respect and consideration for others can be fostered. It is our belief that Pastoral Care is not only at the heart of the working ethos of the school but that it should be at the forefront of all levels of decision making. It is not a timetabled subject but, rather, permeates all aspects of school life.

The school will endeavour to create a friendly, open relationship between pupils and staff where the children are valued as individuals. The staff will try to ensure the children’s expectations of their behaviour and self-esteem are high and supported by all staff. Recognition will be given for good behaviour and every opportunity will be taken to praise children for any contributions to the life of the school. Children will be encouraged to become involved in the full range of activities and through this to find school a pleasurable experience. They will be encouraged to work co-operatively towards common objectives.

Children will be fully supervised at all times including during all extra-curricular activities. (No child may remain in the classrooms, cloakroom/toilet areas or other areas of the building during playtimes and lunch times without adult supervision.)

Teachers will expect a high standard of behaviour and work from all children in their own classrooms. They will build up understanding and knowledge of the child as an individual and take an interest in their special needs and all-round development. Mutual respect between teacher and child will be fostered and teachers will endeavour to find a redeeming quality in even the most challenging child! Children will be involved in a range of class activities, graded to allow all to experience success and thus giving the teacher an opportunity to praise each child.

Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or the Principal if they have any concerns or worries. We encourage parents to share concerns about home circumstances or medical matters which may affect their child’s work or behaviour in school. Any discussions are held in confidence if desired or necessary. An early interventionist approach will be adopted when a problem is affecting the welfare or progress of a child. Parents will be brought in to discuss any problem.

As a school, we maintain a close working relationship with the various outside agencies involved in the care of children. These include the Literacy,Teaching and Support Service, the Educational Psychologist, the Educational Welfare Officer, the Social Services, the School Nurse and the PSNI. Our links with the Police include regular talks and discussions about personal development. Year 7 pupils participate in “Operation Streetwise”. The school nurse also talks to Year 6 and 7 pupils about personal development and medically examines children in Year 1. Regular health and hygiene checks are made throughout the school year. The school nurse visits the school regularly to liaise with staff and all children are given regular vision, hearing and health checks to monitor their physical development.

Observations on a child’s all-round development will be included in the annual report issued to parents. A copy of the full policy statement is available by arrangement with the Principal.