Pastoral and Mental Health Lead
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Designated Teacher for Children in Care
Attendance Lead

Mrs Smith leads our pastoral and mental health provision across school. She is a trained Rainbows Bereavement Counsellor and Sleep Coach and works closely with children, families, staff, and external agencies to address any challenges that may affect a child’s learning or wellbeing.

Support for families:

• Provides guidance around children’s emotional and behavioural needs


• Works with the school SENCo to support families exploring the Neurodevelopmental Pathway for potential autism or ADHD assessments


• Ensures children in care receive the specialist support they need


• Leads on attendance to help children maintain positive engagement with school

Support for pupils

Mrs Smith offers a confidential and supportive space where pupils can talk openly about:

• Personal worries


• Mental health concerns


• Friendship or family difficulties


• Anxiety, bullying, or low confidence


• Academic pressures or difficulties with organisation

Support for parents/carers:

We understand that every family’s journey is unique, and there is no handbook for parenting. No concern is too big or too small. Mrs Smith can help with:

• Behaviour changes at home


• Sleep issues


• Transition worries


• Friendship problems


• Bereavement or loss


• Financial concerns


• Domestic abuse or relationship difficulties


• Mental health challenges


• Substance misuse

Teaching Assistant and Qualified Counsellor

Mrs Austin offers one-to-one counselling and small-group emotional support for children and for parents/carers. Her professional training includes trauma-informed practice, and both telephone and online counselling, allowing her to provide flexible and sensitive support.

Support for pupils:

She provides a confidential space for children to explore:

• Personal concerns or worries


• Mental health and emotional difficulties


• Family or friendship issues


• Anxiety, bullying, or low confidence


• Academic pressures and organisation skills

Working alongside the Pastoral Lead, she helps children build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and overcome barriers to learning.

Teaching Assistant and Rainbows Bereavement Counsellor

Mrs Higginbottom supports children one-to-one or in small groups, with a focus on developing:

• Social skills


• Emotional understanding


• Confidence and resilience

As a trained Rainbows Bereavement Counsellor, she also provides sensitive support for children who are coping with grief, loss, or significant family changes. Her nurturing approach helps pupils feel secure and supported, enabling them to engage more confidently with school life.

Contact: via the school office by phone or email or directly via vanessas5@carrhill.notts.sch.uk