Emma Pledger, Emotional, Social and Behavioural Coach, joined the Westbourne House team in September 2021. Below she writes about her first term, giving insight into her role that bridges Individual Needs and Pastoral Care. Watch the video to hear about what a social, emotional and behavioural coach does and the impact of her work at Westbourne House.
Joining the Westbourne family
On my first day, I arrived looking smart and feeling nervous. Walking around I was reminded of the beautiful grounds that Westbourne House has to offer, and the silence was filled with lots of “hellos” and “Good-mornings!” I was soon surrounded by friendly faces, smiles and an awful lot of new names to remember!
Mrs Morton and her team welcomed me into the Individual Needs department, where the accents are quite mesmerizing: Mrs Morton immediately taking me back to my happy place with her southern African accent and Mrs Whincop with her soft and friendly Canadian ways. Along with Mrs Swann, Mrs Buckler and Mrs Fisher, they make up a lovely team of patient, caring people who work so hard to make Westbourne inclusive of every child.
I also work in the pastoral team to support students, in groups or individually, through challenging situations that may be affecting their performance in school. I help the children to recognise any barriers and set them up with some tools and strategies to get past them, often in a fun and creative way.
I have been making myself at home within the medical centre, getting to know the matrons and school nurses. It’s very easy to feel at home within the medical centre because no matter how busy it gets, there is always such a warm welcome for children and staff. I can see why the children use it as a ‘go to’. You often hear the infectious laughs of matrons Amy and Lou, Ruth’s giggles, the cackle of Gina and the snort from Chelcie! (Now I know why Mr Fisher’s office is where it is on the first-floor landing!).
I spend most of my morning break times in the boarders’ common room, running a drop-in centre for any pupils in school who might need some time. Some time to sit, to talk or just some TLC, because after a fair few national lockdowns and stretches of home schooling (I’m sure we all remember it well!) sometimes that is exactly what they need. The mental health and wellbeing of the children has become more important now than ever before. And having a child myself, who finds school unbearably hard at times, I feel it’s so important for children to have that friendly face to turn to when they need it, or to help them with school when things get too much.
Most mornings, my day starts with the bubbly and enthusiastic form 4JHa. The Year 4 team of Miss Hannan, Mr Stewart and Mrs Champion-Luff have nailed the balance of hard work and fun and, together with the children, have all made me feel so welcome. I even found myself excited about Christmas adverts at the beginning of November! Thanks Year 4!
I have really enjoyed my first term at Westbourne House, getting to know the staff, children and parents too.
I look forward to seeing everyone next term. Have a lovely Christmas.
