How We Care For Your Child

The wellbeing and happiness of every child is our prime concern.
While we are confident in our ability to maximise every child’s learning potential and ensure high achievement, we are equally dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment where each child can flourish and grow.

We understand that for both parents and children, joining a new school can be a daunting experience. However, we know that the caring ethos at our school, along with the supportive structures we have in place, make the transition between key stages (whether from primary to secondary or within the same phase) relatively stress-free and, most often, enjoyable.

Close communication between schools and families is crucial to a successful transition. We work closely with both primary schools (for our younger students) and secondary schools (for our older students) to ensure that the specific needs of our students are considered before they join us. During our transition process, including any transition days or activities, we focus on helping students get to know one another and share positive experiences in their new learning environment. This familiarity ensures a smooth start when they begin their studies with us.

By working collaboratively with schools, parents, and carers, we gather detailed knowledge of each child before they arrive and can provide extra support during the transition process if necessary.

Parent/school communication is essential during this stage.
We encourage parents to contact us as soon as any concerns arise, rather than waiting until their child starts at the school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and we will respond promptly.

Upon joining the school, each student is assigned to a tutor group or class. Although students spend varying amounts of time in their tutor group or class each day, it’s important to note that they will recognise familiar faces from their transition activities, making the start of school feel more comfortable. During this time, we actively work to foster positive relationships and an inclusive, respectful culture, helping students build confidence and friendships.

The tutor or class teacher takes primary responsibility for each child’s pastoral welfare and is the first point of contact for parents should any concerns arise.

Each year group also has a Year Group Manager (or equivalent role), who works closely with the tutor and offers an additional level of support should a student or parent need it. Year Group Managers have overall responsibility for the students in their year group and also assist in monitoring student progress and supporting general care and welfare.

Meetings with the Year Group Manager or pastoral team can easily be arranged by contacting the school.
Our leadership team is always available to meet with parents when required, including the Headteacher, Deputy Headteachers, and other senior staff.

We encourage parents to contact us about any matters or concerns as soon as they arise, including any challenges their child might face. Early communication helps us to address and resolve issues before they develop further.

Conduct and Discipline
We aim to instil in every student a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and respect for others. This starts with fostering strong relationships between staff and students, as well as among students themselves.

Our school environment encourages students to develop positive personal and social skills while maintaining high standards of behaviour. We expect students to follow school rules and instructions from staff, and the vast majority of students do so responsibly, adhering to school policies on conduct, discipline, attendance, completing work (including homework), and wearing the school uniform.

Anti-Bullying
We understand that bullying can be a major concern for students, parents, and teachers, and it can affect a child’s school attendance and performance. Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and victims but also other children who may witness bullying.

At our school, we believe that all forms of bullying (whether verbal, physical, or online) are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We encourage students to speak up about bullying in the classroom and on a one-to-one basis with trusted adults. We want our students to feel comfortable reporting incidents of bullying without fear of being labelled as “telling tales.”

If you believe your child is being bullied or is involved in bullying in any way, we can only take appropriate action if you let us know. Every reported incident is addressed promptly.

Attendance – A Priority
Our school policy on attendance is simple: every student is expected to attend every day the school is open. The only acceptable exceptions are illness or injury that prevent a child from attending school. Every absence is followed up and checked.

Daily school attendance is compulsory for children aged 5-16, and parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends regularly. Failure to ensure regular attendance can result in fines.

Research shows that daily attendance is the most important factor in helping students achieve high academic outcomes. Allowing a child to miss school for non-medical reasons is detrimental to their education and may negatively affect their progress. Non-attendance can also increase the risk of students becoming involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.

There are, of course, specific situations that may warrant absence, such as attending a funeral or a medical appointment. We ask parents to consider the educational impact of taking children on holiday during term time, as the loss of learning time is likely to outweigh any financial savings.

If Your Child is Unavoidably Absent
Parents are asked to inform the school of any absence by telephoning 0191 300 6506 before 8:45 am.

Once your child returns to school, please provide a signed and dated note explaining the reason for their absence.

If we are unaware of the reason for your child’s absence, we will make every effort to contact you on the first day your child is absent by phone, text, email, or letter. Please let us know as soon as possible if your child is going to be absent.

Our school works with Education Welfare Assistants to support good attendance for all students.