Hello!  My name is Amanda Rampton and I am the ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Pastoral Care lead here at Hatch Warren Infant School. 

I am setting up a page for all things pastoral to explain what I do and will add a few bits and bobs throughout the school year that will hopefully be of some help as your child grows.

As a school we realise that there will always be children within the school facing life’s ups and downs.  Some may need a little assistance working through, recognising, voicing and processing their feelings about the challenges they face.

Helping children to understand and explain their emotions can have a lifelong positive impact on a child’s self-esteem, mental health, behaviour, relationships, learning and resilience when managing life’s challenges and experiences.  We take the emotional welfare of your child very seriously.

If we can help children to recognise, describe and talk about their feelings, they will begin to learn how to help themselves as and when issues arise.

I may not be able to fix everything but will support and help our pupils to develop skills and useful coping tools and strategies for now and in the future.

The school recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.

I have a lovely, cosy room called ‘The Den’ where your child can come and play and learn with me.  It is a relaxed atmosphere and your child will have the opportunity to follow a programme tailored to their needs.

This will include time to talk and may also involve sharing story books, arts and crafts, puppets, worksheets, role-play, mindfulness and board games.  We will have fun in a safe, calm environment whilst we work through the emotions and challenges your child may be facing.

Your child may work with me on a 1:1 basis or within a small group.  I support children with short term or long term needs.  Regardless, I assure you I work alongside our children compassionately and with sensitivity.

We want our children to feel secure, respected and valued for who they are in the hope that this will create happy, enthusiastic, confident individuals no matter what their circumstances.

If you feel like your child may need some additional emotional support, please speak to your child’s teacher who can let me know.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak with me, please feel free to leave a message with the school office.  I can then contact you accordingly.

I am here every day except Wednesdays.  Always here to listen and to try to help in any way I can.

As well as being a trained ELSA, I am also a Drawing and Talking therapy practitioner, an ELSA counselling practitioner, a mental health champion and a Barnardo’s champion.  I have signed up to the Barnardo’s charter offering services and confidential support to children who may have members of their family in prison or going through the legal system for whatever reason. 

I go on courses frequently to update my learning and knowledge.  I ensure my skills are up to date.

I am setting up this information page to hopefully post helpful ideas for you to share with your child throughout the school year and hope it may be of some help or interest.

Always here to help you or your cherubs.  Take care all,

Mrs Rampton x