Learning Mentor Support at St. Austin’s

Our Learning Mentor is Mr. Laurie. He works as part of our Pastoral Team alongside Mr. Senior (SENCO and Digital Learning & Inclusion Manager)

What is a Learning Mentor?

A Learning Mentor helps pupils make the most of school life, breaking down barriers to learning. For the child, a Learning Mentor is someone supportive to talk to beyond the classroom and home environment, to share successes or disappointments with and who can help with practical difficulties or worries. However, the Pastoral Team are also part of the larger Staff Team at St Austin’s. We are all here for the support and encouragement of your children.

Mr. Laurie & Mr. Senior aim to provide non-judgmental support for all our young people and their families within school and particularly at vulnerable times. The support for your child may be within the class room; on the playground; in the Learning Mentor room; on an individual basis or as part of a small group. Most children come weekly but some come more or less frequently but, they all come for as many sessions as they need.

Mr. Laurie

Mr. Laurie is our Learning Mentor

Mr. Senior

Mr. Senior is our SENDCo

The role of the Pastoral Team

The role of the Pastoral Team is to provide for the needs of children who may be facing barriers to learning, both inside and outside the school. We work with pupils, parents, carers, families, teachers, the school and other agencies, helping to construct a flexible and responsive support network depending on individual needs. Areas in school that we particularly focus on include:

  • Self-esteem and confidence building
  • Build resilience
  • Social skills and friendship groups
  • New to school
  • Family bereavement
  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Motivation
  • Divorce or separation

In most cases, the staff in school will identify children who need extra support. If your child is referred to us, we will contact you as the significance of positive and active participation by parents and carers cannot be overstated in the future development of children.

Please also know that we are available to provide confidential support and advice for parents, families or carers.  If you have any worries or concerns about your child or a family situation, please do not hesitate to contact us as we may be able to offer some help and advice. If there is a specific topic that you require assistance with such as: bedtime routines or behavior at home or eating problems, please do get in touch. We can and will use additional professional help where appropriate for you or your child when required, this will all be with your knowledge and agreement.

We are all different, we will treat each situation indivually. We want to work together to ensure your children never give up, encourage others and always do their best.

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