Pastoral Care in the St Christopher School Nursery
Every child known, every child supported
Our pastoral approach for our youngest learners is truly holistic, focusing on emotional understanding and regulation, communication, and positive social interactions. In the Nursery, we operate a key worker system, giving each child the opportunity to build a secure, trusting relationship with a dedicated member of staff. This one-to-one connection helps children feel safe and supported as they explore all the opportunities available in the Nursery, while also ensuring their individual needs are carefully understood and met.
As children grow in confidence, they naturally develop relationships with the whole Nursery team. This sense of belonging and familiarity helps them to feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to thrive in every aspect of their early learning journey.
“The care that my child has received, and frankly the love from teachers, and the individual approach offered, flexibility and communications with parents, have all exceeded my expectations. My son struggled to go to pre-school and now he wakes on a weekend and is sad that he can’t go to Monte. It warms my heart and I never expected this to happen.” St Chris Nursery Parent Review - Current Parents’ Survey 2022

Building a Curious Environment
At St Chris, excellent pastoral care is at the heart of who we are. It begins with truly knowing each child — taking the time to listen, understand their needs, and work with them in a spirit of respect and kindness.
Unlike many schools, where pastoral care is seen as a response when challenges arise, at St Chris it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. By ensuring children feel safe, valued, and understood, we create the conditions in which they can flourish personally, socially, and academically.
Our community is shaped by openness and equality. The absence of uniform and the use of first names help to remove barriers, encouraging children to feel confident in their relationships with staff and comfortable in asking questions or sharing concerns.
This collaborative, supportive approach builds a culture of trust where curiosity thrives — and where every child can discover both who they are and what they can achieve.
Singing and Mindfulness
Each day, our Nursery children come together for singing and mindfulness. These moments bring the whole Nursery community together, whether through joyful song or quiet relaxation. This daily rhythm helps to create a sense of calm and belonging, while also encouraging children to express themselves, regulate their emotions, and enjoy the simple pleasure of shared experiences.
Supporting Students with SEND
At St Chris, every child is known and supported as an individual. For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we provide outstanding pastoral and tailored support within the Junior School. Applications for children with SEND are considered individually, with great care taken to ensure that the right provision is in place to support their needs. Our priority is that every child feels included, valued, and able to thrive both in their learning and in school life.