At Hempland Primary School, we believe that for a child to achieve their full academic potential, they must first feel safe, valued, and emotionally secure. Our pastoral care is not just a safety net; it is a fundamental part of our “Respect, Opportunity, Ambition, and Resilience” (ROAR) values.

Our Wellbeing Team

Led by our SENDCo, Miss Aimee Wilkinson, and our Pastoral Lead, Mrs Helen Andrews, our dedicated team provides a tiered approach to emotional support. Whether a child needs a morning check-in or more structured intervention, we work together to ensure no child’s emotional needs go unmet.

The Pastoral Toolkit:

  • Quality First Teaching: Emotional literacy embedded in every classroom.
  • The Wellbeing Team: Targeted support for children experiencing emotional difficulties.
  • External Partnerships: Close links with the School Wellbeing Service, Educational Psychologists, and CAMHS.

The Zones of Regulation

We use the Zones of Regulation as a whole-school framework to help children understand and manage their feelings. By categorizing emotions into four distinct “zones,” we give children a common language to describe how they feel without judgment.

How we use Zones of Regulation in school:

  • Calm Corners: Every classroom has a designated “Zone” area with sensory tools and prompts.
  • Self-Regulation Strategies: Children are taught “tools” (such as finger breathing or grounding exercises) to help them move from the Red or Yellow zones back to Green.
  • Daily Check-ins: Teachers use the zones to gauge the “emotional temperature” of the class throughout the day and respond to children’s needs accordingly.  

ELSA Support

ELSA stands for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. These are specialist interventions delivered by trained staff who understand that children learn better when their emotional needs are met.

What is an ELSA?

Our ELSAs are Teaching Assistants who have received additional training from Educational Psychologists. They provide a warm, confidential space for children to explore their emotions through play, art, and conversation.

Areas of ELSA/Pastoral Support:

  • Social Skills & Friendships: Navigating playground dynamics and building empathy.
  • Emotions & Anxiety: Understanding “big feelings” and how to cope with them.
  • Self-Esteem: Building a positive sense of self and confidence.
  • Loss and Change: Supporting children through bereavement or family transitions.

“ELSA is not about ‘fixing’ children. It is about providing them with a safe space to be heard and equipping them with the skills to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Nurture Support

We are proud to have dedicated Nurture Lead Teaching Assistants who work specifically with our adopted and looked-after children each week. These tailored sessions provide a consistent, trauma-informed space where pupils can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop social confidence. By prioritizing emotional wellbeing, we ensure that our children have the specialized support they need to flourish both personally and academically within our school family.

Contact & Further Information

If you feel your child would benefit from pastoral support, or if you would like to learn more about our wellbeing strategies:

Visit or email our Office: office@hempland.pmat.academy