Pastoral care and well-being
A key strength of Redmaids’ High is the structure of pastoral care your daughter will receive here. We want our students to realise their full potential so helping them to enjoy school and stay healthy, both physically and mentally, is one of our top priorities.
Someone to talk to
Every girl has a Form Tutor and an Assistant Form Tutor who meet the girls each morning, providing a regular point of contact. Tutors are supported in their role by a Head of Year and an Assistant Head of Year and the Assistant Head – Pastoral. Students have the same Form Tutor for Years 7, 8 and 9 so they can get to know each other. The same goes for Years 10 and 11, and for Years 12 and 13. Pastoral care is integrated into every aspect of school life and is a responsibility of every member of the school community.
Friendships
When girls enter Year 7, they have a Year 8 ‘buddy’ to help them with the transition from primary education. The buddy is there to offer advice and support. Students are also assigned to one of four School Houses. The House system provides ample opportunity for girls to make friends across the school. The girls enjoy taking part in House events and progressing through the school to take leadership roles in the Sixth Form as House Captains.
Health and well-being
We have two School Nurses and a Counsellor who the girls can speak to in complete confidence. We also run a variety of sessions, as part of our PSHE programme, specifically designed to support the girls’ health and well-being.
E-Safety
As E-safety Officer, the Assistant Head – Pastoral holds regular sessions to teach girls about staying safe online and using social media wisely.
Here for parents too
We recognise that raising a teenager can sometimes be challenging, so invite experts in to speak to parents about subjects such as digital awareness, anxiety and depression, disordered eating, self-esteem and body confidence and self-harm. We also actively encourage parents to talk to us if they have any concerns.
PSHE programme
PSHE lessons equip the girls with the knowledge they need to make sensible life choices, so they can thrive academically and socially at Redmaids’ High and beyond. Our PSHE scheme of work is available on the Parent Hub.
AS Tracking
We have been using a tool called Affective Social (AS) Tracking since October 2017, to track the students’ ability to navigate the often bumpy road of adolescence. It serves as an early warning system and helps us identify the potential for hidden risks such as low self-esteem or poor social and emotional health. With the data we collect, we are able to support priority students with small interventions and tangible action plans. This means we are responding proactively, rather than waiting for the student to hit a crisis point. More information about AS Tracking is available here.
Pets as Therapy
One member of the pastoral team is a small and cuddly pug dog called Barry. He is a ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog (owned by Mrs Turner, the Assistant Head – Pastoral), who comes to school once a month. There is lots of evidence which supports the benefits of having a dog in school and our girls love spending time with Barry. He is on a lead at all times and fully trained to carry out this important role. More information about Pets As Therapy is available here.