Pastoral Care at Our Lady Queen of Heaven

At Our Lady's, we use the Golden Rules to emphasise our core values for good behaviour. They are displayed in each classroom and feature in assemblies throughout the year.

In KS1 each class has a regular “circle time” activity where the children can talk through issues which matter to personal wellbeing. We encourage children to be healthy – physically and mentally. Alongside this, each classroom  has its own Worry Monster where pupils can write down any worries or feelings and “feed” them to the monster. This creative approach helps younger children express emotions in a safe and playful way, making it easier for them to share concerns they might find difficult to say out loud. Teachers check the Worry Monsters regularly and respond to any issues promptly, ensuring every child feels listened to and cared for. Happy children make a happy school. We promote good relationships and appropriate behaviour in class. We encourage active play at break and lunchtime and our curriculum plan provides a number of opportunities for health education.

In KS2, children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. To ensure every child feels safe, supported, and valued, we are using wellbeing zones within classrooms. These zones provide a clear and structured way for pupils to communicate how they are feeling throughout the day. By using these zones, staff can quickly identify when a child may need extra support and respond with care and understanding.

In addition to classroom zones, we have worry boxes located in key areas around the school. These boxes offer a confidential and accessible way for children to share any concerns or worries they may have, including concerns around the use of technology. Each worry box is checked daily by a member of staff, and any issues raised are dealt with promptly and appropriately. This process ensures that no concern goes unnoticed and that every child knows their voice matters.

Our approach is designed to create a positive, nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing their emotions. By combining proactive wellbeing checks with responsive support systems, we aim to help every child thrive both emotionally and academically.

Our School Chaplin is Father Nelson Daniel (nelson.daniel@RCDAB.onmicrosoft.com)