At St Chris, every child’s individuality is valued and celebrated. For Kirsty Baker, our SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Pastoral Assistant, that ethos aligns perfectly with her passion for supporting students’ wellbeing and helping them thrive.

Kirsty’s career journey has been shaped by her natural empathy and determination to make a difference. After leaving school, she attended the University of Nottingham, where she studied Social Policy and Administration and also met her now-husband. Her dissertation, which focused on unpaid carers such as family members, led her to then take on a role at Carers in Hertfordshire for three years, a charity supporting unpaid carers. Here, she provided essential information and resources, helping carers navigate local support systems and access the help they needed.

Kirsty then took time out to raise her three children, balancing family life with various part-time roles in retail and cleaning. Once her children were older, she began working at North Herts College in Stevenage, supporting young adults with learning disabilities. Her role involved helping students develop vital life skills such as cooking, community engagement, and working towards independent living. This experience paved the way for her current role at St Chris.

A Day in the Life: Supporting Students

As SEMH Pastoral Assistant, Kirsty plays a crucial role in supporting students’ emotional wellbeing. Working from the Mulberry Building alongside the pastoral team, she provides one-to-one sessions, group support, and a safe space for students who may need to step away from lessons.

“I help students with anxiety, emotional regulation, and understanding themselves better,” Kirsty explains. “Each child is unique, so it’s about finding strategies that work for them – whether it’s coping mechanisms, managing energy levels, or just having someone to talk to on a tough day.”

Her work is as varied as it is rewarding. Kirsty also runs social skills groups sessions for students where an area of need is identified across the whole School community and plays a huge part in helping D Group (Year 6) students to prepare to transition to the Senior School. On top of this, Kirsty works closely with teachers and Heads of Year to ensure that every child’s needs are understood and met. “Being able to make those small but significant changes – and seeing the difference they make – is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Challenges and Rewards

While Kirsty loves her role, like every other role it does come with its challenges. “Each student is so individual,” she explains.

“Even if two students have the same diagnosis, their needs and how they express them can be completely different. It’s about really getting to know each child and understanding how to support them.”

The start and end of terms can be particularly busy, as transitions and changes often heighten anxiety for some students. Despite this, Kirsty finds immense joy in helping students develop independence and confidence.

“Seeing them thrive and overcome difficulties is the most rewarding part of the job,” Kirsty shares. “Whether it’s helping a student regulate their emotions or watching them apply a new skill, those moments make everything worthwhile.”

A Unique Culture

Kirsty is full of praise for the St Chris community, describing the students as “amazing, polite, and creative.” She noted that she appreciates the unique approach at St Chris, where flexibility and individuality are central.

“It’s unlike anywhere else,” she says.

“The freedom the students have here – to step out of a lesson when they need to or adapt their curriculum to focus on their strengths – really helps them flourish. Everyone is so understanding and willing to support one another.”

Kirsty’s warmth, dedication, and belief in the individuality of every child make her an invaluable part of the St Chris team. As she continues to build relationships and help students navigate their challenges, Kirsty embodies the school’s ethos of ensuring that every child is known and understood.