Pastoral Care at Whiteheath Junior School

At Whiteheath Junior School we believe that good pastoral support focuses on nurturing and supporting the individual needs of each child. We ensure that the support needed is recognised and implemented, with all staff and parents/carers working cohesively together to help children.

We aim to develop positive relationships with children and their families, responding quickly as possible to any issues to ensure difficulties are discussed and resolved.

Your child’s class teacher should always be the first person contacted regarding any concerns. This can be done via the class e-mails or school office email for the attention of the class teacher. Please be mindful that class teachers are not readily available during the day to respond to calls or emails as they are likely to be in class. To avoid disappointment, please arrange an appointment if you wish to speak face to face.

Mrs Ventin is our Pastoral Care Lead.   She has over 30 years working with and supporting children and their families in a variety of settings. 

Class teachers will speak to her if they have any concerns about a child or feel a child would benefit from one to one or small group work to develop their personal or social skills. Parents/carers are informed if this is the case. Issues that may impact on a child’s learning can be addressed in these sessions. 

Likewise, parents/carers may inform us of issues at home that may affect their child’s learning or mental health and well-being.  Mrs Ventin has undertaken ‘Mental Health First Aid’ training and so can help with a range of issues including anxiety and low self-esteem.

In addition, Mrs Ventin is a trained ‘Seasons for Growth’ provider. 'Seasons for Growth' is an eight week programme that supports children who have been affected by separation, loss or trauma in their life. Parents/carers are able to ask for their child to be included in this programme if they feel it would be of benefit.

Children with attendance issues are also supported by Mrs Ventin to ensure that children attend school regularly. She is available for home visits if any parent should feel more comfortable meeting in their own home.

Mrs Ventin helps with transition from the infant school and can also offer support and advice to parents whose children are moving to secondary school.

If you would like to speak to Mrs Ventin, she can be contacted on lventin@whiteheath-jun.hillingdon.sch.uk or 07769 410448

Resource for Urgent Children's Mental Health Support