At Metheringham Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and ready to learn. Our dedicated Pastoral Team and the whole staff work closely with pupils, families and staff to provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive both emotionally and academically.

The Den

The Den is our calm, welcoming pastoral space, designed to support children with their emotional wellbeing and self-regulation. It provides a safe environment where pupils can access:

• Co-regulation with trusted adults to help manage emotions and return to learning.
• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) interventions tailored to individual needs.
• Enhanced support for developing positive relationships, understanding behaviour and managing feelings.
• Opportunities to reflect, problem-solve and restore relationships following difficulties.
• Alternative break times in a sensory-friendly space.
• Well-being check ins.

Our approach is rooted in the understanding that behaviour is a form of communication. We seek to understand the reasons behind a child's behaviour, helping them to recognise, express and regulate their emotions while developing positive strategies for the future.

Supporting Every Classroom

Pastoral support extends beyond The Den and is embedded throughout our school. Every classroom has a Regulation Station where children can independently or with adult guidance access a range of resources to help them regulate their emotions and prepare for learning.

These stations include carefully selected equipment and resources, such as sensory tools, visual prompts and calming strategies, enabling pupils to identify how they are feeling and choose appropriate ways to regulate.

All staff receive training in trauma-informed, restorative and relational approaches. This ensures that children are supported consistently across the school, with a focus on building positive relationships, repairing harm and helping every child feel understood, respected and successful.

Daily Sensory Circuits

Our Behaviour Mentor leads daily Sensory Circuit sessions for children who benefit from additional sensory and movement-based support. Sensory Circuits are a structured programme of physical activities designed to help children regulate their sensory systems, improve concentration and prepare for learning.

The sessions typically include activities that:

• Alert the brain and body through energetic movement.
• Organise coordination, balance and motor skills.
• Calm the body, supporting children to feel settled and ready to learn.

These sessions provide an opportunity for children to develop self-regulation, improve focus and build confidence, helping them to engage more successfully in classroom learning throughout the day.

Working Together

We know that children achieve their best when home and school work in partnership. Our Pastoral Team is always available to offer advice, guidance and support to families, helping us to work together to meet the individual needs of every child.

At Metheringham Primary School, we are committed to creating a caring, inclusive community where every child feels a sense of belonging and is supported to flourish.