.  Pastoral Care

Friends’ School seeks to provide an environment in which pupils, staff and parents are committed to the idea of excellence within a caring, supportive community.  The Pastoral Care Policy of Friends’ School is in sympathy with the principles of the Religious Society of Friends, which values individuals as of equal standing before God.

The aims of the Pastoral Care policy are:

·        To see the members of the school community as individuals of equal worth

·        To encourage pupils and staff to see Friends’ School as a community to which each individual can make a unique and valued contribution

·        To create a caring, secure and supportive atmosphere for all members of  the community

·        To support the academic, social and personal well-being and development of pupils

The aims of the Pastoral Care Policy are promoted by all members of staff and through the School community:

The Organisation of Pastoral Care

In the Preparatory Department it will be the responsibility of each Class Teacher to look after the pastoral needs of the children in his/her class. 
Class Teachers will attempt to resolve the worries of pupils and to relieve their anxieties.  If a major difficulty presents itself, the Head of Department should be consulted and arrangements may be made to make contact with
the child’s parents. 

Parents should inform school if there are any problems regarding a child’s health.  Our medical information forms should be updated, if necessary, by parents, at any time.

In the event of sickness or accident the advice of the School Nurse will be sought and the parents contacted.  If it is not possible to contact a parent and further medical assistance is required, the child will be taken to hospital by the School Nurse or by ambulance.  

No medicines will be administered to pupils by Class Teachers or by the School Nurse.  However, if a pupil is on a course of medication parents
must advise the Class Teacher in writing if a dosage has to be taken during school hours.

Parents’ Meetings and Parent Teacher Interviews are held during the School year.  However, if parents require additional discussion time this can be arranged.  Parents should contact school if there are concerns about a child’s academic progress or pastoral needs so that a time may be arranged to meet with the Head of Department and/or the Class Teacher.

Parents are invited to many school functions throughout the year and are  encouraged to contribute to the school through the Parent Teacher Association or by their representation on the Board of Governors.

If parents wish to know more about the pastoral care of the Preparatory Department please contact Mrs Aughey.