Pastoral Care

We believe young people do best when they feel safe, valued and part of their school community. Getting to know our students well is an important part of what we do, so that they have the right support and encouragement throughout their time at Winterbourne Academy.

Every young person is different, and their needs can change as they grow. Our pastoral team works closely with students, families and staff to provide support when it is needed, as well as celebrating the successes and achievements along the way. We want students to know that there are adults in school they can talk to and trust.

Pastoral care is not just about helping when something goes wrong. It is also about helping young people build confidence, resilience and independence, so that they are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Knowing our students

We want every student to feel known and supported.

Our pastoral teams work closely with tutors, teachers and families, building positive relationships and keeping in regular contact with students. This helps us to recognise when a student is doing well, but also when something may not be quite right and they might need some extra support.

As students move through the Academy, we encourage them to take greater responsibility for themselves and their choices. We help them to understand when to ask for help, how to deal with challenges and how to make positive decisions for themselves.

Wellbeing and emotional support

Growing up is not always straightforward, and there will be times when students need someone to listen, offer advice or simply help them work through a problem.

Our staff are there to provide a listening ear and practical support, whether a concern is small or something more significant. Where additional help is needed, we work with parents and carers and, where appropriate, specialist services outside the Academy.

We also give students opportunities to learn about their own wellbeing and the issues that can affect young people. Through tutor time, assemblies, the curriculum and enrichment activities, students explore areas such as relationships, mental health, healthy choices and online safety.

Character and personal development

Our pastoral work is closely linked to our PRIDE values: Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Excellence.

We want students to leave Winterbourne Academy with more than good qualifications. We want them to have the confidence to have a go, the resilience to keep going when things are difficult and the understanding of how their actions affect others.

Students have opportunities to develop these qualities through school life, including enrichment activities, clubs, trips, volunteering and student leadership. These experiences help young people discover what they are good at, try new things and become more confident and independent.

Find out more about personal development at Winterbourne Academy here: Personal Development at Winterbourne Academy

Belonging

We want every student to feel that they belong at Winterbourne Academy.

School is about much more than lessons. Friendships, shared experiences and being part of something bigger all contribute to a positive school experience. We encourage students to get involved, take pride in their school and respect the people and community around them.

From their first days with us through to their final year, students are supported to build relationships, grow in confidence and find their place within our community.

Your child's pastoral team

There are a number of people available to support students, including:

• Tutors (each year we 'drop down' our school timetable to enable tutors to meet with each of their tutees' parents/carers)
• Heads of Year and the wider Year Group Team
• Safeguarding Team
• SEND and Inclusion Team
• Attendance Team
• Senior pastoral leaders
• School-based wellbeing support
• External agencies and specialist services, where appropriate

If your child has a concern

We encourage students to speak to someone if they are worried about something or need help. This might be their tutor, a member of their year team, a teacher or another adult in school they feel comfortable talking to.

Parents and carers should also feel able to get in touch if they have concerns about their child's wellbeing, friendships, attendance or experience at school. Sharing concerns early can often help us put the right support in place.

We work closely with families because we know that supporting a young person works best when home and school work together.

How pastoral care works

• Safeguarding: How we keep students safe and what to do if you have a concern.
• Attendance: Information about attendance, absence and how we can support students who are struggling to attend.
• SEND & Inclusion: Information about support for students with additional needs.
• Anti-Bullying: Our approach to preventing and responding to bullying.
• Online Safety: Advice and resources to help young people stay safe online.
• Wellbeing and Parent/Carer Support: Information about the support available in school and useful resources for students and families.
• Behaviour & Relationships: Our expectations and how we help students develop positive relationships and make good choices.