Pastoral Care Policy
Belfast Boys’ Model School
Pastoral Care Policy
Created: 2004
Reviewed: 2009
Rationale
Belfast Boys’ Model School is committed to ensuring the physical, emotional, spiritual and moral well being of all of its pupils so that they may develop to their full potential and contribute positively to their community and to wider society.
At every opportunity we model and promote the importance of good relationships and mutual respect within a caring environment. We believe in the importance of guiding and supporting all pupils in their journey towards independence and maturity while also recognising the need to have in place systems and structures which safeguard our young people and encourage them to develop resilience to the stresses and difficulties of growing up in the 21st century.
Our Pastoral Care Policy actively encourages an integrated approach to the welfare of pupils which has, at its heart, the importance of a close relationship between the home and the school.
Purpose
The School’s Pastoral Care provision will ensure that:-
• A safe and secure environment exists for all members of the school community.
• Pupils are equipped to make informed decisions about issues which affect their lives.
• Opportunities exist for pupils to develop self-awareness, self-discipline and self esteem.
• Positive relationships exist throughout the school community and pupils are equipped to establish their own healthy nurturing relationships.
• Pupils and their families have access to appropriate support and advice.
• Skills and attitudes exist which enable young people to contribute positively to both local and global citizenship.
Guidelines
While pastoral care permeates every aspect of Belfast Boys’ Model School and all staff have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the welfare of pupils, specific responsibilities are integral to particular roles within the Pastoral Care structure.
The pastoral work of the school is monitored, evaluated, developed and promoted through the ‘Integrated Guidance Committee’ which is chaired by a Vice Principal. This committee is made up of representatives from Heads of Year, Heads of School, Counselling, Careers Guidance, Behaviour Modification, School Council and Full Service Extended School provision. The committee meets regularly and reports, through the Vice Principal, to the Senior Leadership Team.
All members of staff are expected to liaise with parents as early and as fully as possible in all issues that impinge upon the welfare of pupils.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
The Board of Governors will ensure that policies to promote positive behaviour and relationships are in place.
Job Title Key Responsibilites
SLT To implement the Pastoral Policy to ensure the care and welfare of pupils within BBMS.
Vice Principal To engage staff in promoting good practice as defined within policy.
Classroom Teachers To be responsible for developing pupils self-esteem, self-motivation and positive attitude within a supportive, non-threatening environment.
Form Teachers To be responsible for registration and monitoring of attendance within Form Class. They will develop strong positive relationships based on mutual respect and care to enhance pupil self-esteem and positive attitude.
Year Heads To monitor the attendance and behaviour of their year group.
To be responsible for the personal, social and academic development of the pupils in their charge.
Year Counsellors To be responsible for the provision of support, advice and guidance to meet the pastoral needs of the pupil community.
To liaise with other members of staff and outside agencies to support the pupil.
Behaviour Modification Coordinator To be responsible for the review of pupil behaviours which are deemed to be unsatisfactory.
To liaise with external agencies to ensure behavioural support mechanisms are in place for identified pupils.
FSES Coordinator To develop a programme of support which enhances the school’s pastoral provision.
To engage external agencies and the wider community in support of pupils and their families.
Personal Development Mentor To develop a programme of support for identified pupils to enhance their abilities to problem solve, think critically, manage conflict and to develop self esteem and self discipline.
Attendance Officer To be responsible for the review of pupil attendance records and the provision of support to pupils and parents in maintaining good standards of attendance.
EWO To be responsible for intervention programmes for identified pupils who have low attendance records.
Family Coordinator To facilitate and support parents to enable them to support their son’s learning and engagement with the school.
School Council Facilitator To manage a communal ethos and encourage pupils to communicate, consult and participate in decision making.
LFLW Coordinator To develop a LFLW programme, with its contributory strands of Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development in place to promote personal and social development in keeping with the school ethos.
Rewards system To ensure the achievements of individuals and groups of pupils, inside and outside of school are given appropriate recognition.
Designated Teacher To ensure all staff are aware of the Child Protection Policy and act within those guidelines.
To take the necessary actions in respect of any reported incidents in accordance with the Child Protection Policy
Progress File Coordinator To be responsible for the implementation of the process of Progress File.
Senior Prefects/Pupil Mentors To provide leadership support and guidance to the pupil body.
Parents will be invited and encouraged to support the work of the school in developing close mutually supportive relationships which promote a positive ethos towards learning.
These policy guidelines are implemented in conjunction with associated key school policies such as:-
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR POLICY
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
ATTENDANCE POLICY
COUNSELLING POLICY
DRUGS EDUCATION POLICY
RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY POLICY
ANTI BULLYING POLICY
REWARDS POLICY