Junior School Pastoral Care | Nurture & Wellbeing For Ages 7-11 | Clifton High School

OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH

links directly to children knowing and feeling they belong at Clifton High School

JUNIOR SCHOOL ENRICHMENT 

Our values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction are constantly reinforced and remain central to an education in our Junior School, with an understanding that pastoral care is at the forefront of a child’s wellbeing and development.
Mr Luke Goodman, Senior Deputy Head, Pastoral &
Designated Safeguarding Lead

At Clifton High School, we celebrate our pupils and recognise that progress and achievement look different for everyone. By nurturing their academic, pastoral and personal development, we help every child realise their individual brilliance.

In the Junior School, our holistic approach provides a secure, supportive environment where they feel valued, understood and confident to embrace new opportunities. Each pupil is known personally, not only by their teachers but also by peers and community members, reinforcing their sense of belonging. It is this sense that helps them build confidence in themselves and trust in others.

Our teachers and teaching assistants recognise each child's unique strengths, interests and areas of development. Alongside academic teaching, we place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, relationships and personal growth through a comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme. Pupils learn from a wide spectrum of age-relevant topics that support their wellbeing and understanding of themselves and others. If this gives rise to any additional pastoral concerns, our on-site wellbeing experts and counsellor work collaboratively with parents to identify the areas requiring consideration and put appropriate provision in place.

SAMPLE PSHE SCHEDULE

Being part of a whole-School environment brings invaluable opportunities for Junior School pupils to build connections with children across the wider School. Our successful buddy system enables The Hive and Infant School children to support one another, develop confidence and form lasting friendships. Older pupils regularly visit the Junior School to read with younger children and take part in shared activities, creating meaningful relationships across year groups. These experiences encourage camaraderie and a genuine sense of community, while providing younger pupils with positive role models who inspire and encourage them.

Encouraging responsibility and pupil voice is an important part of our holistic approach. Junior School pupils are empowered to contribute to School life through leadership opportunities such as our elected Heads Team, drawn from Year 6 and working closely with the Head of the Infant and Junior School, the School Council and Class Ambassador roles. These positions help children develop confidence and communication skills, ensuring their views and representation are heard and valued.  

Our holistic approach also extends to families. We value the contribution parents make to the lives of our Junior School pupils and encourage open communication and involvement in their child’s education and the community surrounding it. We invite parents to share their careers, cultures, interests and experiences to enrich the children’s learning and broaden their understanding of the world around them.