The Board of Governors will foster and support the development of the Pastoral Care Policy by collaborating with the school community.

Form teachers play a vital role in the pastoral care of the pupil. They will be the people who best know the student. They will be sensitive to any change in behaviour and act appropriately. There is a Personal Development (PD) class each week and a programme covering many aspects of personal development is provided for each student.

A list of topics is given at the start of each programme of study, for each year group. Certain topics are compulsory (induction, drugs, integration, RSE, study skills and Progress File). Other topics are included and have evolved due to current relevant issues.

The Shadow Year Head will act as the link teacher for each year group, and will advise them on resources and time scales. Teachers are encouraged to use the materials as they feel appropriate, as issues arise.

If a child has a problem which the Form Teacher and/or Year Head judges to be serious then the Principal and the parents will be involved in arriving at a solution. Subject teachers will also be watchful of students in their class and inform the Form Teacher if where appropriate.

The College sees the parent as a part of the team aiming to ensure that the student’s self-esteem is such that they will develop into a happy, confident young adult. Parents will be welcome at all times to discuss their child with the Form Teacher, Year Head or the Principal. An appointment must be made to arrange a meeting.

Oakgrove Integrated College

Pastoral Care Policy

Reviewed February 2010

Oakgrove College is a GM Integrated School situated in Stradreagh in the grounds of GranshaPark. It is a co-educational comprehensive College with approximately 850 pupils. Pastoral Care within the school is seen to permeate every aspect of College life. It is an area which affects the whole school, and in which the school adopts a pro-active approach.

Aims/Objectives:

Within the overall aim of integration, we strive to:

·        Develop the pupils’ sense of self-esteem

·        Meet the social, emotional, physical, moral and academic needs of the pupils

·        Challenge the pupils’ values and attitudes on a range of topics

·        Help pupils reach their full potential

·        Develop their personal understanding/personal health

Pastoral Structure:

(In no particular order)

·        Principal                                          

·        Vice Principal

·        Year Heads

·        Form Teachers

·        PD team (PD Co-ordinator and Shadow Year Heads)

·        BOG and Pastoral Care Sub-Committee

·        SENCO/Special needs staff

·        Learning support team

·        Health & Safety Officer

·        Prefects/Mentors

·        Year 8 Induction Team

·        Integration Co-ordinator

·        Drugs Education Co-ordinator

·        Child protection Officers

·        Curriculum Committee

·        Students’ and Parents’ Councils

Responsibilities of the above are as laid out in the Staff Handbook.

Pastoral Policies:

·        Discipline

·        Sanctions/Suspension/Expulsion

·        Anti-bullying

·        Child Protection

·        Drugs

·        Relationships and Sexuality Education

·        Health Education

·        Bereavement

These policies are as laid out in the Staff Handbook and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. These policies are connected to:

Ø     Induction of staff and pupils

Ø     Class merits and individual merits

Ø     Class sheets to monitor daily progress

Ø     Homework diary to record h/w and act as a link between school and home

Ø     Departmental Awards for achievement

Ø     Prize giving

Ø     Transition workshop for Yr 8 pupils experiencing difficulties

Ø     Code of Conduct displayed in all classrooms

Ø     Staff guidelines for consistency in policy implementation

Ø     Resource Area to support emotional and behavioural problems

Ø     PD – Personal Understanding and Health lessons

Ø     Extra-Curricular Activities (clubs, sports, trips)

Ø     Attendance Awards/Prizes

Liaison with Parents:

q       Parents’ Council

q       Parent Meetings

q       Homework diaries and report forms

q       School events (plays, musicals, prize-giving, progress file, Carol services, Careers conventions)

q       News sheets/magazine

q       Statement Review meetings

q       Information leaflets

q       Parent Call texting service

q       MAST meetings