8 2.0 STUDENT WELFARE The school provides a safe and supportive environment for all young people. 2A STANDARD The school provides a pastoral structure that meets the needs of all students and promotes their personal development
COMMENTARY There is a clearly defined pastoral structure in the school. At present the class teacher provides primary pastoral care for the students in their class as part of a wider school team, with parent partnership being at its core. The pastoral system throughout the school is structured in stages, according to the English national stages of EYFS, Primary and Secondary. Emphasis is placed on positive relationships, and this is reflected in the exemplary attitudes and behaviour that the students exhibit around the school. At present, there are two age ranges in each class, for example Year 5/6. As the school grows, this will develop into discreet year groups in the future. Given the small number of students, the current system works well. Clear progression of pastoral concerns is evident from the documentation held. The school is aware that it will have to review this as the pupil numbers increase. Weekly letters are sent as a form of update each week, alongside instant messaging on Class Dojo and email or telephone contact. The school has an open-door policy and teachers are available at the end of school for parents to speak to them either briefly, or to arrange a formal meeting. This communication encourages the involvement of the whole school community in ensuring that the pastoral needs of all students are being met. Parents commented that they are incredibly pleased with the current level of communication and feel welcomed to talk to the class teachers, or Headteacher at any time. PSHE is not currently taught as a discrete lesson and does not have a designated programme of study. Assemblies and friendship circles are used to deal with matters such as personal health, safety and behaviour on a needs basis. There is scope to develop a programme which will complement the current school curriculum and could further strengthen the pastoral system.
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