Assistant Headteacher Pastoral and Safeguarding
Learning Mentor
The role of the Learning Mentor is to work collaboratively with pupils, parents, school staff and external agencies to ensure that the school provides effective support for pupils who face barriers to learning.
At Hallmoor School, the Learning Mentor is Paul Merrick. Paul has worked at Hallmoor School since 1992 and is a Senior Learning Mentor, as well as a qualified counsellor.
Paul works primarily on a one-to-one basis with children and young people, although he also delivers support to small groups and, on occasion, whole classes. Staff identify pupils who may benefit from mentoring and make referrals to the pastoral team. The pastoral team meets regularly to consider referrals, identifying pupils who would benefit from Thrive-based work and those who may require additional support from Paul or external agencies.
Paul’s approach is individualised and responsive to each pupil’s specific needs. He typically meets with pupils on a weekly basis, although this may vary depending on individual circumstances. Mentoring sessions may include discussing concerns or difficulties; the use of counselling skills; Play Therapy techniques; creative activities such as artwork; target setting; games-based activities; the use of IT; relaxation techniques; anger management strategies; and mediation. Where appropriate, sessions may also include external visits or work with external agencies, such as Summerfield Stables, where young people attend an equine care programme and work towards a qualification in horse care.
Paul is also responsible for gathering the pupil voice of our looked-after children (LAC).
Family Support Worker
The role of the Family Support Worker is to work with all families across the school, offering a range of support, including a safe and confidential space to share your concerns, worries and successes.
John understands that raising a family can be challenging, especially when supporting children and young people with additional needs, he has personal experience of this. John’s role is to support and empower parents and carers, working alongside them to build confidence and find the right support when it’s needed.
John is here to help build strong relationships between home and school, so every child feels safe, happy and ready to learn. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. John is here to listen and support you.
Lead Thrive Practitioner
THRIVE at Hallmoor
Supporting Emotional Wellbeing and Positive Development
At Hallmoor School, we use the THRIVE approach to support pupils’ emotional and social development, recognising that wellbeing underpins successful learning. THRIVE helps us understand the reasons behind behaviour so staff can respond in a nurturing, supportive and individualised way.
Pupils are supported to manage emotions, build relationships, develop confidence and resilience, and feel safe, included and ready to learn.
Our THRIVE Team
We have 14 trained THRIVE practitioners working across all key stages, qualified in Childhood and Adolescence THRIVE. Staff complete regular CPD to maintain and develop their practice.
Teachers complete developmental assessments, which are used to identify pupils needing additional support. Practitioners then work with staff (and sometimes parents/carers) to set targets and plan personalised interventions.
THRIVE Sessions
Sessions take place daily, delivered one-to-one or in small groups. Most pupils access at least one session per week.
Sessions focus on areas such as emotional regulation, communication, confidence, teamwork and problem-solving. THRIVE is also integrated into PSHE lessons and, where appropriate, extended through off-site activities.
These approaches support improved engagement, relationships and self-confidence.
Our THRIVE Environment
We have a dedicated THRIVE room and use additional spaces across school to meet pupils’ needs.
Accessing THRIVE Support
Pupils are identified by class teams and phase leaders. Support is personalised, targeted and regularly reviewed, typically over a six-week cycle, and extended where needed.
Useful Links
Children and young people’s mental health services – NHS
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | Young Minds