At St Mary's, we believe that education is about far more than academic success. We are committed to nurturing the whole child, ensuring every pupil develops the knowledge, skills, confidence and character needed to flourish both in school and beyond.

Our approach to Personal Development is woven through every aspect of school life. We provide a rich and ambitious curriculum alongside a wide range of experiences that broaden horizons, celebrate diversity and help children discover their talents and interests. Through our Catholic values, enrichment opportunities, leadership roles, careers learning, community engagement and strong pastoral support, pupils develop resilience, independence, respect and a deep understanding of their role as responsible citizens.

We place great importance on ensuring that every child benefits from meaningful opportunities to develop personally, socially and emotionally. We empower our pupils to make informed choices, understand how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy and safe, appreciate difference, and contribute positively to their communities. Our Personal Development offer is carefully planned, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our children, ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in modern Britain.

At St Mary's, we want every child to leave us not only with excellent academic foundations but also as a compassionate, confident and aspirational individual, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

ELSA

Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing is an important part of life at St Mary’s. For some children, we offer support through our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) provision.

An ELSA is a trained member of staff who works with children to help them understand and manage their emotions, develop positive relationships, build confidence and overcome barriers to learning. Through planned sessions, children are supported in areas such as emotional awareness, self-esteem, friendship skills, social skills, managing worries, and coping with change or loss.

ELSA sessions are tailored to meet individual needs and provide a safe, nurturing space where children can talk, reflect, and learn strategies to support their emotional wellbeing. By helping children develop these essential life skills, we aim to ensure they feel happy, secure, and ready to thrive both in school and beyond.

Our trained ELSA's in school are Mrs Lowery, Mrs Key, Mrs Mc Glasson and Miss Birkett. 

Nurture

At St Mary's School, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing and development of all our children. We provide targeted nurture sessions for identified children who may benefit from additional support to help them build confidence, develop social and emotional skills, and thrive both academically and personally. Our nurturing approach is informed by evidence-based practices and resources, including those provided by Nurture UK, ensuring that children receive high-quality, tailored support in a safe, caring, and inclusive environment. Through these sessions, we aim to remove barriers to learning and help every child feel valued, understood, and ready to succeed. Mrs Lowery leads our Nurture sessions. 

Lego Therapy

At St Mary's School, we offer LEGO® Therapy sessions for identified children who may benefit from additional support with communication, social interaction, and teamwork skills. Through structured, child-centred activities, children work collaboratively to build models while developing key skills such as speaking and listening, turn-taking, problem-solving, cooperation, and confidence. LEGO® Therapy provides a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where children can strengthen relationships with their peers and build the social and emotional skills needed to succeed both in school and beyond. Our sessions are carefully planned to meet the individual needs of the children we support, helping them to grow in confidence and independence. Mrs Lowery leads our LEGO sessions.

Barnardo's Feelings Case Files

At St Mary's School, we use Barnardo’s Feelings Case Files with identified children who may benefit from additional support in understanding and managing their emotions. Through engaging activities, discussions, and real-life scenarios, children are encouraged to recognise, explore, and express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. These sessions help children develop emotional literacy, resilience, empathy, and positive coping strategies, enabling them to build healthy relationships and respond confidently to everyday challenges. Our tailored approach ensures that children receive the support they need to enhance their emotional wellbeing and flourish both in school and beyond.

Kidsafe

At St Mary's School, we use the Kidsafe programme to support identified children in developing the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to stay safe and healthy. Through age-appropriate activities, discussions, and practical learning experiences, children explore topics such as personal safety, trusted adults, managing worries, and understanding boundaries. The programme helps children build resilience, self-esteem, and the confidence to speak out if they feel unsafe or concerned. Delivered in a supportive and nurturing environment, Kidsafe empowers children to make safe choices, develop positive relationships, and understand how to seek help when needed. Mrs Lowery leads our Kidsafe sessions. 

OPAL

At St Mary's School, we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality play experiences that support their wellbeing, learning and development. Through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach, we provide a rich and stimulating outdoor environment where children can explore, create, take appropriate risks and develop independence. OPAL recognises that play is essential for children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. By offering a wide range of play opportunities and resources, children build confidence, resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships with their peers. Our inclusive and child-centred approach helps every child to thrive, ensuring that play is a valued and integral part of life at St Mary's School.

Community Club

Our Community Club gives children the opportunity to make a positive difference in their local community whilst developing teamwork, responsibility and confidence. Throughout the year, the children take part in activities such as litter picking and helping to care for the local environment, including supporting projects at Harrington Reservoir. They also enjoy spending time helping at the local care home, bringing smiles and companionship to residents. Alongside their community work, the children organise and take part in fundraising activities, including coffee mornings, helping to raise money for worthwhile local causes. Through these activities, our children are learning that even small acts of kindness and community spirit can make a big difference.

Picture News

At St Mary's School, we use Picture News to help children engage with the world around them and develop their understanding of current events in an age-appropriate way. Through carefully selected news stories, images, and thought-provoking questions, children are encouraged to explore important local, national and global issues while developing their speaking, listening, critical thinking and oracy skills. Picture News supports children in understanding different perspectives, reflecting on values, and becoming informed, responsible citizens. These discussions promote curiosity, empathy, and respect, helping children to make meaningful connections between their learning and the wider world.

Foodbank

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our food bank appeal!

We were overwhelmed by the fantastic response and generosity from our community. Thanks to your kindness, we exceeded all of our expectations and were able to donate a huge number of essentials items to our local food bank.

We are proud to announce that our school is now in partnership with the Local Food Bank. This means we are able to generate food bank vouchers for families who may need additional support.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school and ask to speak to Miss Orr. She will be happy to offer guidance, support and information in a friendly and confidential manner.