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Learn more about our pastoral care, and how we support our pupils
The School works to create an environment in which every child feels cared for, valued and important. Staff firmly believe that a happy child learns best, and this philosophy underpins daily life across the Junior School.
Pastoral care at Dame Allan’s is embedded across the Junior School, from nursery to Year 6. Our approach combines highly trained specialists, purpose-built support spaces, pupil-led initiatives and innovative tools to nurture self-belief and emotional health alongside academic growth. Plus, our popular therapy dogs are always there to offer a helping paw!
At Dame Allan’s, we believe that where support is offered matters just as much as how it is delivered. That’s why we have created The Cosy Snug, a dedicated space where pupils can access specialist support in a calm, private and purposeful environment.
One-to-one sessions with our school counsellor and pastoral team take place in The Cosy Snug, which has become a much-loved sanctuary within the School. Calm and comfortable, it offers children a safe place to talk, reflect or simply take a moment away from the busyness of the day. Teachers also use the space to engage with children outside the classroom in a relaxed and supportive setting. Adding to the warmth of the environment is Poppy, the School’s Border Terrier, who attends daily. Alongside her is another firm favourite — the Worry Monster. Children are encouraged to write down their concerns and “feed” them to the friendly soft toy. It is a simple yet powerful tool that helps children articulate and release anxieties in an age-appropriate way.
No pupil should sit in class anxious and worried. We are proud to offer industry-leading pastoral support to every child.
As well as access to The Cosy Snug, Junior pupils follow a structured programme of PSHE and personal development lessons, including Wellbeing Wednesday sessions and daily Zumos activities, helping them develop self-confidence and emotional literacy. With a pastoral team including a dedicated counsellor and School Nurse, there is always someone around who can listen. No worry is too big or too small.
For a child taking their first steps into education, school quickly becomes so much more than a classroom. It is where friendships blossom, confidence grows and curiosity is sparked. Choosing the right environment at this formative stage can shape not only academic success, it can also support a child’s emotional wellbeing for years to come.
We have a long-standing commitment to pupil wellbeing, and in fact were the first independent school in Newcastle to employ a dedicated counsellor, more than 20 years ago. Pastoral Care is not an add-on or ‘nice to have’ – it is the key thread that weaves through school life.