Above (left to right): Mrs McDermott, Mrs Stevens, Miss Smees and Mrs Arnold  – introducing our super lovely Learning and Pastoral Support (LAPS) Team pictured on Elf Day.

Our LAPS Team is made up of four Learning Mentors. Our LAPS Team:

  • are an experienced, friendly and approachable team of individuals who support our children across the school
  • well trained: ELSA, FEIPS and Family Links
  • have significant experience of fostering children
  • support our children with their learning in class
  • provide 1-1 and group interventions where necessary
  • provide support for loss and bereavement
  • offer ‘Cuppa and a Chat) for our parents / carers to chat in an informal setting when possible
  • support our children with their emotions
  • work in partnership with our families
  • signpost other agencies that may be able to help our children

Mrs Arnold, Mrs Stevens, Mrs McDermott and Miss Smees are our Learning Mentors. In their role, they provide:

  • Family Links sessions
  • much support with learning – in class and out of class
  • support for our children to develop positive behaviours
  • development of some children’s emotional needs through group and 1-1 work
  • target cards where necessary with positive reward time
  • strategies for teachers and support staff
  • Calm Zone during three lunchtimes a week
  • Team Teach (positive handling – 95% verbal) training and guidance
  • support for families which is ‘time and need led’ by the family
  • parent / carer support e.g. behaviour management, routines etc
  • support at meetings and appointments
  • good links with other agencies

Contacts

Our LAPS Team are accessible to all our children and families. They work across the school but have attached themselves to one year group each. You can pop into the office and ask to speak / meet with them. Or you may like to meet with them during a Thursday coffee morning in The Globe. Or, e mail them:

  • Mrs McDermott (Y6): emcdermott@gomer.gfmat.org
  • Mrs Arnold (Y4): larnold@gomer.gfmat.org
  • Mrs Stevens (Y5): vstevens@gomer.gfmat.org
  • Miss Smees (Y6): esmees@gomer.gfmat.org