Our students’ wellbeing is our top priority, and we provide high-quality pastoral care at every stage of their educational journey. Our dedicated, whole school Inclusion Team works closely with parents and students to ensure that our educational approach is equally ambitious for children with additional/special educational needs and disabilities.

The culture of the school is positive and inclusive.

 

Ofsted, 2020

Primary Phase

Our primary phase is led by Vice Principal Mr Andy Fisher who has been with the school since 2018. Mrs Nicky Cairns accompanies Andy as part of the Leadership Team within primary, she has been an Assistant Principal since April 2019 and her main role is to oversee the leadership and management of our primary phase.

Inclusion Leader Mrs Sally Roper is based in primary, and works closely with our Learning Support Team, TLSAs and LSAs, to ensure that students are well-supported both inside and outside the classroom. Our facilities in primary include our Butterfly and Nurture rooms, which support children with any additional needs.

During our most recent Ofsted inspection, our Early Years Provision was graded as ‘Outstanding,’ as it has been in every Ofsted inspection.  This is a testament to the level of care and learning provided by our staff. 

Children thrive in Reception and settle into school well. The curriculum is designed to stimulate children’s interests. The vibrant environment adds to children’s enjoyment of learning.

Ofsted, 2020

Secondary Phase 

In the secondary phase, our Pastoral Leaders help support students and families in all aspect of school life, with a focus on behaviour and attendance, helping to deploy strategies where necessary to improve attainment. Our pastoral care team is also made up of Performance Leaders, an Assistant Principal attached to each key stage, Form Tutors, and School Counsellors.

The role of the Performance Leader Leader is essential to the day-to-day running of our school, they work alongside our pastoral team to ensure students have access to someone to speak to at any point during the day. 

Form Tutors are crucial for the needs of the students, they provide daily consistent contact and the opportunity for students to discuss concerns with a familiar face.  Where possible, Form Tutors remain with the cohort until the end of Year 11, thus providing consistency for students and parents. 

Our school counselling service allows students to be referred by any staff member who feels the student would benefit from additional support.  This service is by appointment only and discretion is key.  The service is completely confidential in line with the national ethical framework for counsellors.

Sixth Form

Whether a student has been with us for their secondary phase or is joining us to begin their A Level journey, their welfare is of paramount importance.  At our school, we pride ourselves in providing excellent support to our students.

We believe that supporting students in their growth mindset promotes their well-being, and have a number of services available to support learning including the following:

• A Performance Leader – providing support in all aspects of schooling, including supporting next steps in education, including UCAS.
• Dedicated form tutors – offering consistency and a daily point of contact.
• Subject leaders – providing guidance and support in all areas of learning.
• School counsellor – offering tailored, individual support when required.
• Volunteering and mentoring opportunities – allowing Sixth Form students to volunteer younger students, assisting in confidence and leadership skills.

In our most recent Ofsted inspection, the inspectors were keen to point out the great opportunities available in our Sixth Form:

Leaders provide many opportunities to develop students’ character. These include mentoring younger pupils and volunteering in projects in the local community.

Ofsted, 2020