Key Adult

Key Adult Programme

A universal support approach that strengthens relationships, wellbeing and learning

Why Key Adults matter

“All children and young people should have frequent and regular opportunities to discuss their learning with an adult who knows them well and can act as a mentor, helping them to set appropriate goals for the next stages in learning.”

— Building the Curriculum 3 (2008), p.17 Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

The Key Adult Programme is a cornerstone of universal support in our school. It ensures every young person is known, supported and encouraged through a consistent relationship with a trusted adult. This is not simply about routine or registration; it is about connection, care and community.

Key Adults play a vital role in:

• supporting learner wellbeing and belonging

• identifying early signs of concern

• strengthening motivation and readiness to learn

• celebrating success and building confidence

• providing first-line pastoral support and signposting

What the Key Adult role is

Key Adults are a key part of the wider support team. Every learner is assigned a Key Adult who supports them through daily contact and planned Health and Wellbeing (HWB) learning.

Key Adults will:

• meet their group daily at Key Adult time

• teach Personal and Social Education (PSE) as part of HWB provision

• build relationships and community spirit aligned with the school’s Catholic ethos

• act as a first point of connection and support

• share information appropriately with pastoral leadership when concerns arise Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

Key Adult time

Daily: 8:45am – 8:55am

Why this time is important

The first ten minutes of the day set the tone. Key Adult time should never feel like “just registration”. It is a structured opportunity to:

• “touch base” with every learner

• establish a calm, purposeful start

• check wellbeing and readiness to learn

• build positive relationships and House/community identity

• celebrate successes and reinforce expectations Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

What this means for staff in practice

During Key Adult time, staff should aim to ensure learners feel:

• Nurtured

• Consulted

• Encouraged

• Respected

• Motivated

• Praised

• Challenged Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

(These are not slogans—they are practical indicators of a healthy start to the day and a relational culture.)

What a strong Key Adult time looks like

Core purposes

A strong Key Adult time typically includes:

1. Warm welcome and relationships

• greeting learners positively

• using names and noticing presence/absence

• brief check-ins that build trust over time

2. Readiness and wellbeing checks
   Key Adults should be alert to signs that a learner may need support, such as:

• appearing withdrawn or isolated

• unusual behaviour or mood

• signs of tiredness, hunger, distress, or neglect

• concerns raised by the learner or peers Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

3. Key messages and focus for the day

• reminders about routines, events, expectations

• supporting learners to be organised (equipment, deadlines, uniform)

• preparing learners mentally for the day ahead

4. Celebrating success

• recognising effort, improvement, achievement and contribution

• building learner confidence and motivation

• reinforcing pride and belonging

Responding to concerns: what to do

Key Adults are first-line pastoral support, but you are not expected to manage concerns alone.

If you have a wellbeing concern

• Record the concern in line with school procedures

• Share concerns promptly with the relevant Head of House / Guidance Teacher

• Avoid promising confidentiality to pupils—explain you may need to share information to keep them safe

• Continue to provide relational support and monitoring in subsequent days Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

Personal and Social Education (PSE)

Monday Period 1

Why PSE matters

PSE is a key part of delivering Health and Wellbeing education. Alongside literacy and numeracy, HWB is one of the core responsibilities of all staff and supports learners to develop:

• knowledge and understanding

• skills and resilience

• attributes and capabilities for life

• confidence at key transition points Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

The programme is designed to help young people thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Why Key Adults teach PSE

The Key Adult relationship is central to effective HWB. Having the Key Adult as the PSE teacher supports:

• consistency of care and messages

• stronger relationships and learner trust

• better understanding of learner needs

• a more coherent approach to wellbeing support Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

What this means for staff in practice

PSE lessons should be planned and delivered using the same high-quality approach expected in all learning:

• structured routines

• clarity of purpose (What / Why / How)

• engaging tasks

• inclusive support and challenge

PSE lessons should be planned in line with the St Kentigern’s Lesson guide. Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

Practical information: rooms, resources and storage

• Your allocated room should be used for Key Adult time and PSE.

• Folders are provided to store pupil work or key information.

• Learners should be encouraged to use their class Team for completion of work.

• PSE resources are saved on the HWB/PSE staff Team and managed by Heads of House. Key Adult Guide St Kentigern's …

Key Adult Programme: expectations summary

Every Key Adult should:

• know the learners in their group and build positive relationships

• use Key Adult time intentionally (not as registration only)

• check wellbeing and readiness to learn, and escalate concerns appropriately

• support and celebrate learner achievement and contribution

• deliver PSE in a way that reflects high-quality learning and teaching expectations

• contribute to a positive House and school culture grounded in shared values