Pastoral

Pastoral Care is a real strength across the Prep School and every child is known and understood. Happiness, security and confidence are paramount for each child to achieve, learn and succeed. Everything grows from these secure foundations.

We are creating the solid foundations of a ‘Pastoral School’ by developing individual Learning Behaviours from Nursery upwards; promoting the language and behaviour associated with ‘Growth Mindsets’ and by introducing elements of Mindfulness. This process forms the basis for a broad curriculum, tailored, where appropriate, to individual needs.

The pastoral structure is a support network which looks after the children and the staff:

• Form Tutors – look after small classes and genuinely know their pupils. Communication between home and school is frequent and supportive. Form time each morning and extended Form Periods once a week enable a strong link between the pupils and the Form Tutor. An online Pastoral Folder tracks the social progress, rewards, sanctions and achievements of each child.
• Houses – provide a second layer of pastoral support. Vertical integration from Reception to Year 6 means children across the age groups and the year groups mix and get to know each other. Each House has a Captain and Vice Captain who help to organise events.
• The Buddy System – provides immediate support for any new pupil joining the school and at playtime to ensure there is always a friend at hand. Year 5 pupils become playground buddies for Reception and KS1 pupils who love to play with the older children!
• Prefects – in Year 6 are led by a Head Boy and Girl. They have a variety of roles and responsibilities, but the key pastoral task is to set a good example and be role models for the Prep School.