Burnhope Primary School supports children with Social and emotional needs very effectively. All staff are trained in restorative approaches to deal with issues in a respectful and sensitive manner.
Sofas are placed in the corridors as safe spaces for children on which to calm down and provide a calm and non-threatening environment for staff-pupil discussions to occur. Children are encouraged to talk to staff. As we are a small school, this provides a close family atmosphere where staff and pupils know each other well.
The member of staff a child trusts the most is not necessarily their current class teacher and staff at Burnhope are always aware of this, supporting the child fully to talk to whoever they wish. Burnhope Primary School have worked with Behaviour Intervention, Crisis Response and counsellors to provide more focussed pastoral and emotional support when necessary.
We have Buddies on the playground to offer support to more vulnerable children and have regular assemblies to promote anti-bullying and tolerance of others.