We recognise that a child’s emotional health is key to their overall development and future success. When children are nurtured in a positive, supportive environment, their self-esteem, confidence, and resilience flourish.
Pastoral care begins with strong relationships between pupils, their form tutors, and the Heads of School. Our Head of Wellbeing, a role that was created six years ago in recognition of a need amongst pupils, is specially trained in counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and child anxiety.
The Form Tutors provide a vital link between child and parent and are responsible for the academic, spiritual, moral, and social welfare of the children in their care. They communicate on a regular basis with the parents and are the first port of call for any concerns; if appropriate these concerns will be passed on to Hayley Davies, Head of Wellbeing & Emotional Support. Heads of school oversee each section of the school: Pre-Prep, Lower School (Years 3 & 4), Middle School (Years 5 & 6), and Upper School (Years 7 & 8). Children can express their views and influence policy through Pupil Councils.
Pinewood Surgery is equipped to provide care for pupils in a friendly and professional environment. It provides an area within the school where all can visit in case of acute illness, injury or emotional support, knowing they will receive sympathy and understanding. Our nurses are NMC registered and on duty between 0800-1700. Mr and Mrs Bailey and matrons with First Aid qualifications live on site and assist during the whole 24 hour period.
Pinewood is ecumenical in its outlook and accepts children of any faith. The rhythms of the Christian year, its traditions and values quietly underpin the fabric of life at school. We have a fortnightly Friday service in Bourton Church led by the Headmaster, at which a prominent senior school representative will be invited to preach. The service begins with a time of reflection and prayer. Parents and friends are welcome to come and meet the visiting preacher over a cup of tea in the Drawing Room after the service. The Headmaster also hosts a weekly Assembly, where an appropriate message is offered, underpinning our core values at Pinewood. Finally, children and staff have the opportunity to attend a small Bible group that is held periodically throughout the year.
Our dedicated houseparents, Mr and Mrs Newcome lead the boarding team and are actively involved in the 24-hour care of our boarding children, but the support network for the boarders goes far beyond the houseparents themselves. The Head of Wellbeing & Emotional Support is available for the children throughout the day and they are able to either book in time with her or take advantage of the drop-in sessions. Both the Headmaster and his wife also play an active role in supporting our boarders. The Boarders’ Council provides an opportunity for the boarders to have their voices heard, and provides them with the reassurance that their views and recommendations are taken seriously and, in many cases, acted upon.
Pinewood is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils, regardless of age, ability, race, culture, religion, gender or class. We are committed to
providing a caring environment, instilled through a culture of kindness and collective responsibility. All our staff play a role in safeguarding. They ensure school is an environment in which children can flourish and learn; they are on hand to listen to any concerns a pupils may have; and, when matters arise, they take prompt action to ensure these are addressed.
As a school, we are acutely aware of the pressures facing this generation of children and the increasing signs of mental health issues amongst the young. As a further layer to the strong pastoral care system in place at Pinewood, we are proud to be able to provide our own Wellbeing & Emotional Support Department for the benefit of the children.
Our Head of Wellbeing & Emotional Support, Mrs Hayley Davies, is available to see the children and their parents on a daily basis. Hayley, who was Head of Lower School (Years 3 & 4) for 10 years and is an experienced teacher, is well known to the children. She has counseling qualifications and is a trained Mental Health First Aider, specifically in relation to young people. The Wellbeing Team includes five qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) and the Head of Learning Skills, who specialises in Autism and anxiety. In addition, many staff have completed Mental Health First Aid training, ensuring that pupils receive comprehensive care. There is a more informal daily drop-in service for children, for which they do not need to make an appointment. Hayley will accordingly make parents, Form Tutors, and the boarding team aware of anything that is of concern and, if she feels it to be necessary, she will make referrals to appropriate services, in conjunction with parents.
In Pre-Prep the form teachers serve as the first port of call for our younger children, alongside Miss Hannah David-Ward in an emotional support role. Mr Jason Lang (Head of Pre-Prep) and Mrs Jo Siebert (Deputy Head of Pre-Prep) oversee the well-being of children in Pre-Prep. Mr Lang and Mrs Siebert are available to see children and parents on a daily basis. Working in conjunction with them we have two qualified ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) within the Pre-Prep Team – Mrs Laura Worby and Mrs Denise Penney. Teachers are able to refer pupils to them, at which point they are able to support children on a one to one basis or in a small group, dependent upon the needs of the individual.
In addition, key members of staff across the school have undertaken Mental Health First Aid training and all staff are currently carrying out the Staff Professional Development Course through the Wellbeing Hub, Teen Tips.
Several professionals, including a child counsellor, play therapist, and occupational therapist, visit the school each week to provide specialist support.
The Wellbeing Department is both engaging and innovative, with several initiatives running across the year, including bi-annual wellbeing surveys of the children. This monitoring allows us to keep a close eye on how the children are feeling and to provide support where needed. The Head of Wellbeing also runs a Young Supporters (Carers) group twice a term, as well as a Kindness Cafe initiative.
Pinewood subscribes to the The Wellbeing Hub, which provides a huge number of resources for parents, staff and children. Alicia Drummond, founder of Teen Tips, regularly comes into school to give talks to the children and parents.
Our Breathing Space is a dedicated area of calm for children who may experience moments of anxiety within the classroom. It is located in the Wellbeing area and is a comfortable space with someone to talk to and with supporting sensory aids. Our ‘Nurture Hut’ is a secondary area for support and is enjoyed by those requiring a moment away from the busy life of the school day, as well as providing an area for online therapies.
We also support emotional wellbeing through our two emotional support tortoises, Turbo and Zoom, who bring comfort and joy to the children.
Through these initiatives, we ensure that our pupils are emotionally and socially supported in all aspects of their school life.
“The staff genuinely care about the welfare and happiness of your child. I recently had to approach my daughter’s amazing class teacher as she was struggling with a few things and within 24 hours I had a meeting with the SEN team and my daughter was offered the additional support she needed that day. The response was amazing and the team incredibly understanding. She has subsequently grown in confidence and is loving learning again.”
“The pupils’ wellbeing is firmly at the heart of the school. We have experienced every teacher, bar none, to be immensely reactive in any matters of concern – big or small.”
“Pastoral care at Pinewood is outstanding – the welfare of the children is very clearly at the heart of everything that happens. Concerns are quickly responded to and dealt with in a thoughtful and effective way.”
“The school has a nurturing and inclusive style, which is epitomised by the pastoral care and focus on mutual respect amongst the children.”