Over the past 12 weeks, I have had the privilege of spending time at St Modwen’s Primary School, supporting pupils through one-to-one listening sessions during what can be a challenging time of the school year.
As the summer term progresses, many young people begin to experience increased pressure. SATs, end-of-year assessments, friendship changes, and the move towards secondary school can all bring worries and uncertainty. Sometimes young people simply need someone to listen without judgement and help them make sense of what they are experiencing.
One of the themes that emerged most strongly during these 12 weeks was transition. For many Year 6 pupils, the move to secondary school is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. New teachers, larger buildings, different routines, and making new friendships can create understandable anxieties.
I have been particularly pleased to work with several pupils who will be moving on to Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in September. As I already provide regular listening support at Robert Sutton, these young people know there will be a familiar face waiting for them when they arrive. For some pupils, simply knowing that support is already in place can significantly reduce worries about the transition and help them begin the next chapter with greater confidence.
Early support is often the key to preventing small worries from becoming bigger challenges. By providing a space where pupils feel heard, valued, and understood, we can help them build resilience and develop positive coping strategies that will support them both now and in the future.
I would like to thank the staff at St Modwen’s for their warm welcome and their commitment to supporting the wellbeing of their pupils. It has been a pleasure to work alongside them, and I look forward to continuing to support young people as they take their next steps into secondary education.
We’re very grateful for funding from Burton Nurses Endowment Fund in supporting our listening service.
Nathan O’Neill
Youth and Children’s Outreach Worker