Pastoral Care Overview

Rationale

Cardinal Newman Catholic High School must do its best for each student in accordance with its mission statement, demonstrating that it is a caring Christian community that shows concern and understanding for the personal needs of each individual student.

It is important that each child has a personal contact with whom they can identify, who knows him/her individually and who can be consulted if and when personal or academic problems may arise.
It is the duty of all staff to ensure that a safe, caring environment is established for all children.
All staff must be constantly vigilant regarding the care and welfare of students, especially those in their own pastoral area.

Discipline is the responsibility of all staff.

Purposes

• To provide a consistent structure of care within which each individual student may grow and develop.
• To support the academic learning process.
• To create an orderly, disciplined atmosphere in which students feel they are safe, secure and happy when attending school.
• To promote and monitor regular attendance and punctuality.
• To detect and assist students who may be at risk, or have special needs and to liaise with appropriate agencies via the relevant nominated person.
• To monitor the day-to-day welfare of the students and to be the facilitator between home/school/other agencies.
• To foster the personal development of students.

This policy should be read in the context of policies relating to SEN and Inclusion, Rewards and Recognition, Statement of Behaviour Principles, Behaviour Consequences ,Exclusions ,Attendance and Punctuality, Anti-Bullying and Safeguarding.

1. All aspects of pastoral care entail a whole school involvement.

2. Heads of Year/Form Tutors and Pastoral Managers are responsible for the students in their year according to the job specification given to them by the Headteacher.

3. The pastoral system is based on year groupings.
a. Year 7 is kept as an identifiable unit with a Head of Year and Form Tutors who are experienced in the specific problems associated with primary/secondary transfer.
b. From Year 8 onwards, students will retain the same Head of Year and Form Tutor through to Year 11.

4. Form Tutors are responsible for attending meetings within their own year group and are closely involved in the academic monitoring and mentoring of students in their form group (KS3 PSHE/Values ; KS4 mentoring) as well as accepting responsibility for their pastoral care as directed by their Head of Year (see guidelines in Role of a Form Tutor).

5. Regular meetings are held between the Heads of Key Stage 3 and 4, Heads of Year and Form Tutors and Pastoral Managers.

6. Form Tutors register students in their form group twice a day, at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session. They monitor attendance and punctuality, drawing any problems or concerns to the attention of their Head of Year/Key Stage.

7. Form time is set aside each week to discuss specific themes, challenge inappropriate attitudes and mentor students. Collective Worship, Ring and Read at KS3 are also Form Time activities. There is an underlying theme laid down for each half-term which should be addressed by year teams during form time as directed by the Head of Year.

8. There is a comprehensive rewards and sanctions system in operation within the school and clear and consistent disciplinary procedures. Behaviour Consequences with Level1, 2 and 3 behaviours are clearly set out in every student?s planner.

9. Links with parents are seen as a positive strength in the pastoral development of pupils. Communication with parents includes a termly newsletter, prospectus, induction evenings, parents? evenings, formal interviews and general letters for specific information giving.

10. Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of social and educational activities, including residential experiences, foreign travel, clubs, teams, sporting and musical and theatrical activities and excursions.

11. Links with the community are established and there are links with the Parishes and various charities and local initiatives.

12. Students are given the opportunity to put forward their views by participation in the school and year councils (Form Representatives), to take on various roles and responsibilities, e.g. prefects , members of subject/interest clubs and to organise and participate in Chaplain/ Form assemblies.

Conclusion

This policy recognises the importance that our Mission Statement places on pastoral support in Cardinal Newman Catholic High School as a Christian community. It reflects the duty of all staff to support a safe and caring environment for each individual student.