Pastoral Care

We place considerable emphasis on providing several layers of pastoral care to ensure that any problems can be identified and resolved quickly, therefore benefiting the child’s progress in school. Some of the pastoral care is naturally formalised, other aspects are less so and reflect the nature of the school.

This is a happy school, starting in the Nursery and going right through to the top of the Prep School. Visitors often comment on the family atmosphere that is apparent in the day-to-day life at Polwhele. Children look out for each other and it is common to see an older child quickly on the scene to comfort a younger person who might have stumbled and hurt themselves.

There is an easy relationship between staff and children, based on mutual respect. All the staff are involved in the delivery of our pastoral care. A child is assigned to a form and the form teacher is the main point of contact for the child and the parents for that year. At the end of the year, the child will progress to the next year group and will have a new form teacher. However we are always happy, if a child is more at ease with another member of staff, for them to be approached. It is not uncommon to see children chatting with kitchen staff, the groundsman or one of the maintenance team. We want what is best for each child.

The Children Act made certain demands on schools and we have met these through a number of initiatives: a P.S.H.E. programme, circle time and a clearly published list of ideals called the ’Polwhele Path’. This has been devised jointly by the staff and adapted by the pupils.

The school monitors the health and welfare of all children closely. We have a Housemother who cares specifically for the boarders, but is also available to day children. All necessary records are held regarding allergies and other medical problems. All staff are trained to give initial first aid and can administer the necessary medication.

Our children are happy children. That is Polwhele.