Pastoral Interventions: Supporting Our Pupils to Feel Safe, Seen, and Able to Grow

At Woodfield, we know that emotional safety, connection, and trust are the foundations for learning and growth. Our pastoral interventions are designed to meet the diverse needs of our pupils—many of whom are neurodivergent or have experienced challenges that affect their ability to engage in traditional school life. Every offer is shaped by student voice, staff insight, and our commitment to trauma-informed, relational practice.

Emotional & Therapeutic Support

These interventions offer structured, emotionally attuned spaces for pupils to explore feelings, build regulation strategies, and strengthen self-awareness.

• ELSA Support – Delivered by trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, these sessions help pupils understand and manage emotions, build resilience, and develop social skills.

• Draw and Talk – A gentle therapeutic approach using drawing as a bridge to expression, supporting pupils to process difficult experiences in a safe, non-verbal way.

• Block-Based Therapy – Structured play using building blocks to support emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving, particularly effective for pupils with sensory or communication needs.

• In-Class Support – Relational presence within lessons, offering emotional scaffolding and co-regulation to help pupils stay engaged and feel safe in learning environments.

• Out-of-Class Pastoral Support – Tailored 1:1 or small group support for pupils needing time out, reflection, or connection, often used to de-escalate, reset, or re-engage.

Nurture, Regulation & Responsibility

These offers help pupils build calm, confidence, and a sense of purpose through connection with animals and nature.

• Animal Care – Pupils take responsibility for caring for our school animals, building empathy, routine, and emotional regulation. This intervention also provides a quiet, non-judgmental space for pastoral conversations.

• Muddy Mindfulness (Merstham Farm) – A nature-based intervention held at a local farm, combining animal interaction, sensory regulation, and outdoor mindfulness. Pupils engage in activities that promote calm, confidence, and connection to the natural world.

 Motivation, Engagement & Future Pathways

Designed to re-engage pupils through practical, pupil-led learning that builds confidence, skills, and a sense of achievement.

• Key Motivator Sessions – Pupil-led sessions in DT, CAD, hair & beauty, and other hands-on subjects. These sessions help pupils reconnect with learning through strengths-based, interest-driven activities.

• Fast Forward Vocational Course (Crawley) – An alternative provision offering hands-on learning in mechanics, engineering, and team sports (including karting). This course supports pupils to build transferable skills, explore future pathways, and develop teamwork and self-belief.

 Family & Community Connection

These interventions strengthen relationships between home and school, offering shared experiences and peer support.

• Parent and Child Cookery Classes – Relaxed, practical sessions that build connection, confidence, and shared joy between parents and pupils.

• Multi-Family Group – Developed by the Anna Freud Centre, this intervention brings multiple families together in a structured, supportive group. We’ve been running Multi-Family Group at Woodfield for six years, and it has helped many families build stronger relationships, share strategies, and feel less alone. It’s a space where parents and carers can connect with others who understand their journey, and where pupils benefit from a consistent circle of support.

Restorative Practice

Restorative approaches are woven throughout our school culture, helping pupils repair relationships, reflect on behaviour, and build emotional literacy.

• We use restorative conversations to support pupils in understanding the impact of their actions and finding ways to make things right.

• Staff are trained to facilitate restorative circles and repair meetings, which help rebuild trust and strengthen peer relationships.

• Restorative practice supports our trauma-informed ethos by focusing on connection, accountability, and growth—not punishment. It helps pupils feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive changes.

Moments That Matter

Below, you’ll find a selection of photos from our pastoral interventions. Each image captures a moment of connection, growth, or calm—from animal care and cookery classes to vocational learning and outdoor mindfulness.

Meet the Team