Rationale:
Oldbury Wells School will always do its best for each student in accordance with its core principles of ‘enjoy, aspire and achieve’. Our students are encouraged to be ‘ready, respectful and safe’ and this creates a caring community that shows concern and understanding for the personal needs of each individual.
It is important that each child can identify with their Form Tutor, Head of Year or another trusted adult in school, 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.
Our pastoral lead is Rebecca Lawson (also our Designated Safeguarding Lead), along with Sarah Barlow (Welfare and Safeguarding Officer) and our Pupil Premium lead is Bruce Brown.
Purpose:
- 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.
The work of our pastoral team is based on the following principles:
- All aspects of pastoral care entail a whole school involvement.
- Heads of Year and Form Tutors are responsible for the students in their Year/Tutor Groups according to the job specification given to them by the Headteacher.
- 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 Tutor Group, as well as accepting responsibility for their pastoral care as directed by their Head of Year.
- Form Tutors register students in their Tutor Group at the beginning of each morning. They monitor attendance and punctuality, drawing any problems or concerns to the attention of their Head of Year.
- Tutor time is set aside each week to discuss specific themes, challenge inappropriate attitudes and mentor students. The PSHE curriculum is delivered through fortnightly lessons.
- There is a comprehensive rewards and sanctions system in operation within the school and clear and consistent disciplinary procedures.
- Links with parents are seen as a positive strength in the pastoral development of pupils. Communication with parents includes the newsletter, prospectus, induction evenings, parents’ evenings and general letters/texts/emails.
- Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of enrichment activities, including residential experiences, foreign travel, clubs, sporting/musical activities and excursions.
We also have our very own Pastoral team:
Lower School KS3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)
- Miss Sarah Barlow – Pastoral Manager Year 7
- Mrs Amy Burrows – Pastoral Manager Years 8 and 9
- Mrs Lisa Bridgwater – Pastoral Support Worker Years 7, 8 and 9
Upper School KS4 (Years 10, 11 & 13)
- Mrs Claire Shakespeare – Pastoral Manager Years 10 and 11
- Mrs Lucy Goodison – Pastoral Support Worker Years 10 and 11 and Year 13.