“The quality of the arrangements for the pastoral care provision in the school and nursery unit is very good. The holistic development of each child is central to the ethos and work of the school.”

(Education Training Inspector)

Pastoral Care is at the heart of everything we do in Dundonald Primary School.  We want your child to feel safe, happy and content in school.

We believe that effective Pastoral Care must be supported by effective cooperation and communication between home and school.  It is, therefore, vital that we are informed of any changes in circumstances that may affect your child. This will allow us to support you and your child.

The relationship between teacher and child is at the heart of Dundonald Primary School's approach to Pastoral Care. Our aim is to ensure that each child is happy, contented and working to their full potential in school.

Staff and volunteers are fully aware of our safeguarding and child protection procedures and are trained in the appropriate procedures and actions to be taken if any safeguarding concerns arise.

Mental Health and Well Being

The mental health and wellbeing of our pupils and the entire school community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that a happy, supported environment is essential for learning and growth.

Our dedicated staff team is highly trained in a wide range of approaches, including Trauma-Informed Practice, Nurture Principles, and strategies to meet SEND needs, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and understood.

We are proud to have Mrs Burns and Mrs Savage as qualified Mental Health First Aiders and  Mrs Burns is also as an EA Wellbeing Champion, promoting positive mental health across our school.

To provide comprehensive support, we offer:

• Access to a school counsellor
• Pastoral support provision
• Links to EA services for mental health and wellbeing

Together, we create a nurturing environment where every child and adult can thrive.

Family Support Information

Supporting you as a Family

As a school we are able to support you as a family and signpost you to a range of support services.  There are many staff in school that support your child, including the Principal, Vice Principal, the school Senco as well as the Senior Leadership team and wider school staff.

We have a team based approach in school made up of many different adults who all want the best for your child.

Please get in touch with Mrs Sarah Burns (VP) either by contacting the school office or emailing sburns528@c2kni.net if you have any concerns or require any support.  

Supporting you and your child

As detailed on our mental health and well being page on our school website, we can offer you and your child a wide range of supports in school.

https://www.dundonaldprimaryschool.net/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

These can include:

-Advice and support strategies from a member of our pastoral team

-Advice from school counsellor

-Family Support Hub Referral

-Contact with external agencies

-Use of EA services (where applicable)

-Onward referrals to external services (dependent on board area and agency requirements)

SAFEGUARDING TEAM

Principal - Mr D Massey 

Designated Teacher for Child Protection  - Mrs S Burns - Vice-Principal 

Deputy Designated Teacher/s for Child Protection - Mrs M Savage - Learning Support Coordinator

Mrs K McConaghy - Nursery Teacher 

Chair of Governors- Mr G Ennis

Safeguarding Governor - Mrs P Neill

Adoption and Fostering

We know that for many parents/carers who are either fostering or adopting or are currently receiving support from external agencies, the decision on which school to send your child to can be a big decision with many different factors and external agencies to consider.

We want to reassure you that our staff have accessed training to support children who have been adopted or who are currently a 'Child Looked After' and that as a safeguarding team we have received key adult training to ensure we are best equipped to meet the needs of the pupils in our care.

Please do get in touch with our Vice Principal, Mrs Sarah Burns, if you have any questions or concerns.  You can contact the school office on 028 9048 2680 or contact Mrs Burns directly via email sburns528@c2kni.net