Pastoral Support

Introducing our Pastoral Manager 

Hello everyone, my name is Ms Devi and I am the Pastoral Manager here at Thornton, I am also a DSL, Mental Health First Aider and Thrive Practitioner and based in the 'Chatterbox' room. My role in school is to provide support, advice and information to the families within our school community, work with children, parents, carers, staff and external agencies on various issues. I can help you with any worries that you may have in relation to your child's mental & emotional wellbeing, behaviour and education. I am also here as someone to talk to if you need it! For further information please refer to our Pastoral & Thrive leaflets shared on the school website. 

Advice and support is confidential, although concerns relating to the safeguarding of children will always be dealt with in accordance with the school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. I may not have all the answers, but hopefully I am able to help you to work out how to find them! 

The support for families that I can offer includes providing information and signposting to other services in the local area, as well as liaising with a range of external services such as housing and social care. 

Family life can be challenging at times and we all need a bit of advice and support. If you would like a chat to see if I can assist you and your family please feel welcome to come and see me. You can contact me by calling 0121 327 0824 or via email s.devi@thornton.bham.sch.uk. 

  • Mr Rich Bates

    Sports Coach

Introducing our Sports Coach 

Hi, my name is Mr. Bates. I am the Sports Coach here at Thornton. You will see me on the playgrounds before, during and after school. I am here to keep you fit, healthy and active, and provide you with fun exciting lessons, competitions and extra-curricular activities. 

Aims of Pastoral Support:
  • To provide support that meets the differing needs of all children so that each child is equipped with the skills to cope with life.
  • To support children to address social, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical needs.
  • To maintain an atmosphere in which children feel secure, are encouraged in their learning, growth and social development and know that they are valued within a healthy and safe environment.
  • To reassure parents/carers their children are being educated in a safe and nurturing environment.
  • To work with a range of stakeholders, parents, support staff, outreach agencies and other schools to ensure the continuity and progress of individual pupils.

The role of the Pastoral Team:

  • To support and work alongside parents in addressing pastoral concerns impacting on their child’s learning and development.
  • To provide specialist counselling to support individual children, listening and talking to children who may need support in a variety of pastoral issues, for example, self-esteem and confidence, bereavement, managing feelings, anxieties/worries, separation and developing social and friendship skills.
  • To ‘signpost’ families to outside services for appropriate provision and support.

Contacts:

  • Pupils – any child in the school can ask to speak to our Pastoral Support Team if they have a problem at school or at home. They can do this by either approaching the team or by asking a member of staff. A suitable time will them be arranged to meet.
  • Parents/carers – if you have a pastoral concern regarding your child then you can phone the school, speak to your child’s class teacher or make an appointment via the school office on 0121 327 0824.
  • School staff – a pastoral support concern form can be completed and then a meeting will be arranged depending on particular needs.