Pastoral Organisation
We want children to enjoy their time in school, to feel happy, to develop a sense of belonging, to be known as individuals and to achieve highly. We also want them to develop a sense of respect for themselves, for other people, and for the whole school community. We have high expectations of all children with regard to standards of behaviour, work and achievement.
All teachers have an important role to play in the pastoral care and welfare of children. Particular responsibilities lie with the form teacher, who is in contact with the children twice daily, monitors general progress and gets to know each child individually. Form teachers also encourage children to discuss any problems they have if they wish to do so. They meet regularly with the Head of Year. Form teachers also deal with routine but important matters such as notices, absence notes, punctuality and homework diaries.
The Head of Year has overall responsibility for all children in a particular group. He or she co-ordinates the work of the form teachers and deals with any matters of a general or more serious nature.
If you wish to contact us about your child, then the Head of Year is the usual first point of contact. Each section of the school is led by a Head of School, who has responsibility for all children in that section.
Heads of Year remain with their year group thoughout their compulsory education, which provides continuity and allows them to get to know the children very well.
Pastoral work in the school is also supported by a school-based counsellor / social worker. She is available to offer support, advice and counselling to pupils and their families who may be experiencing a range of personal, social and emotional difficulties.
Our Learning Mentors are available to support children who are experiencing specific difficulties in their education. Alerted by classroom teachers, Year Tutors help the Mentors to identify any problem which may be preventing a child making progress. The Mentors will then devise a programme of assistance, supported by parents, which we hope will improve the achievement of the child.
