ST. MARY'S COLLEGE
IRVINESTOWN
Pastoral Policy
St Mary’s College, Irvinestown
This Policy is in line with the College Aims and Objectives and has been arrived at through a process of consultation involving staff, Board of Governors and appropriate external support agencies.
· It takes account of the requirements and recommendations of relevant DENI Circulars, including those relating to Child Protection and Drug Education.
· There is effective and continuous liaison with parents / carers to ensure the pastoral welfare of all pupils.
· It keeps as a focus the unique nature of all children and young people.
· It integrates the pastoral dimension with the taught curriculum, through a coherent comprehensive and coordinated programme – attached.
This Policy has as its objective the way we look after our students’ needs including their care and welfare. This involves three general dimensions:
· The promotion of good relationships throughout the College; pupil / pupil, teacher / pupil, leading to the building of self-confidence and self-esteem.
· Care and protection for all pupils, with well-defined procedures in cross referenced policies for dealing with bullying, drug abuse etc.
· A strong commitment to the Health and Safety of all staff and pupils.
The School’s ethos contributes effectively to the pastoral care of pupils when:
· There are good relationships between pupils and teachers, and among pupils outside the classroom.
· Relationships among staff are good. They work together, are an effective team and keep the pupils’ interests and welfare as the focus of their efforts.
· Parents understand and have confidence in the pastoral care arrangements. They know how to contact teachers if they have concerns. They are aware of how the School’s pastoral care system operates.
· The School has a clear line of communication and good relationships with relevant external support agencies.
· Pupils feel valued and are free from emotional and physical harm. Their opinions are valued and their concerns are dealt with systematically and appropriately.
One of the many advantages of the small school is the way in which the Pastoral Care of each pupil can be monitored. All pupils are encouraged to find at least one member of staff with whom they feel comfortable and confident enough to speak to. The guidelines underneath do not exclude the possibility that pupils will discuss issues with their Subject Teachers, and this is encouraged. However, particular responsibilities have been delegated to identified members of staff. This should help to ensure that there are clear channels of communication and provide and effective system which brings maximum benefit to all pupils.
Form Teacher
The Form Teacher is the key figure in the Pastoral Care System of the College. Pupils experiencing problems should be able to speak to their Form Teacher regarding any concerns they may have. The Form Teacher will then decide, with the pupil, on appropriate strategies for resolving issues. If pupils feel unable to speak with their Form Teacher for any reason, all staff at the College are willing to speak with any pupil, and pupils are encouraged to identify at least one member of staff they feel able to talk to.
Head of Key Stage Three
Mrs Lawn is responsible for the Pastoral Care and Behaviour Management of KS3 pupils. If pupils have issues which the Form Teacher feels unable to deal with – due to their serious nature – the pupil will be referred to Mrs Lawn. This also relates to problems with pupil behaviour: if any pupils are appearing frequently on our Behaviour Management recording system on SIMS, the Form Teacher will pass the pupil to Mrs Lawn.
Head of Key Stage Four
As above, Ms Flanagan is responsible for KS4 pupils.
Ms Flanagan is the Designated Teacher for Child Protection. Mrs Lawn is the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection. While Child Protection deals specifically with issues of Physical, Sexual, Emotional Abuse and Neglect, there may be occasions when liaison occurs between the Head of Key Stage / Designated Teachers and the Form Teachers. Pupils can access outside agency help by speaking to their Form Teacher or to their Head of Key Stage.
Outside Agencies
The College may request help for pupils from a number of outside agencies, both statutory and voluntary. Examples of these are Contact Youth, Social Services, CCMS, WELB, NSPCC, The Aisling Centre etc. These agencies would only be asked to help after a meeting had taken place between School and Parents / Carers and this was agreed as a course of action. In the case of specific Child Protection Concerns, the procedures could be slightly different and these are laid out in our Child Protection Policy.
School Ethos
We must ensure that all aspects of school life are firmly rooted in Catholic principles and that both staff and pupils are valued as individuals. It is essential therefore that pupils are given a well ordered school environment in which they will feel safe and secure, allowing for their full academic, physical, emotional, spiritual and social potential to be reached. This is embedded in the aims of St Mary’s College. To this end we aim to work with the wider community and with parents for the benefit of all of the pupils.
· Good relationships underpin good discipline.
Discipline is about relationships within the classroom and within the school. These relationships are principally between teachers and pupils but also include the interaction of the whole school community.
· Pupils are special.
Every child at St Mary’s is an important human person, created by God, entrusted to us by parents and society, and worthy if unconditional respect for his / her dignity.
· Teachers are special.
Every teacher at St Mary’s is an important person who is entrusted with the education and care of our children, and is entitled to the support and respect of parents, school management and the community.
· Self discipline is an essential goal of education
Good discipline practices create the conditions for effective learning and help pupils to develop responsible attitudes and values.
Any questions / issues or concerns relating to our Pastoral Care of pupils should be addressed in the first place to the Form Teacher. Parents may also want to contact the Head of Key Stage or the Principal. We will try to return calls within one working day.
Anne Flanagan
Acting Principal
Nov 2014
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