Branching Out

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Branching Out is an element of support provided by the pastoral department at Tyntesfield.

Branching Out sessions are carried out in the school’s woodland area, incorporating elements of Forest School. The premise of the sessions is to deliver pastoral support for children who may require social, emotional and communication intervention. The woodland area is used during the sessions due to the proven restorative impact of nature, specifically when engaging with nature over a regular period of time. Pupil progression towards key social / emotional goals (personalised for each pupil) through focussed activities will be assessed. Assessment includes analysing behaviour records, class teacher feedback and academic progress and completing Branching Out Passports with associated badges.

Pastoral Intervention

We believe that adults working together with children to build awareness of mental health and wellbeing will contribute towards a whole school approach and culture.

Street and Herts (2005), ‘Using the knowledge, skills and experience of children and young people in a planned and structured way to understand, support, inform and help develop the skills, understanding, confidence, and self-awareness of other children with whom they have something in common’.

Our Pupil Health Champions will sit at Stage 2 of the Pastoral Process, supporting individuals selected by the pastoral care team.

The programme entails four short training sessions delivered across the Autumn term for selected Year 5 and 6 pupils. These sessions further enhance skills in supporting the emotional literacy of others. This might include supporting their peer with problem solving, friendships, playground games and working as a team. The mentors are then be assigned to support a child or a group of children in the younger year groups. This could involve a weekly session facilitated by a member of staff, refereeing a game during playtimes/lunchtimes or playing group games to support with social communication skills.