An individual approach

Our pastoral structure at Sixth Form is superb, offering a caring bridge between childhood and young adulthood.

Organised around small tutor groups of five or six students, each Sixth Former is allocated their own tutor who will guide and support them through years 12 and 13. Tutors are a primary advocate for each student and can support with mentoring, academic and personal issues, and university and career guidance. We have a robust and practical PSHE programme delivered by tutors and with external support where appropriate, and all of our pastoral care at Sixth Form level is coordinated by Head of Sixth Form, Mrs King. In addition, Deputy Head, Mrs Kirk, plays an active part in the pastoral experience of our most senior students as they work their way to the end of school.

Pastoral Care at Pitsford

Happy children learn best, and at Pitsford School the wellbeing and personal development of each child is our priority. Pastoral care is delivered through our dedicated tutorial staff. Each pupil joins a house on their arrival to the school and remains with that house through the duration of their time with us. The three houses (Robinson, Hesketh and Wake) form the basis of the tutor groups in the senior school and pupils are mentored and nurtured in small year groups with other members of their house.

PSHE and Study Skills are taught in these tutor groups and time is devoted twice a week to covering a wide range of personal, social, and health issues that affect young people throughout their time in school, and aims to prepare them better for the world beyond Pitsford. This is in addition to daily registration periods. These small groups underpin the strong relationship that exists between teachers and pupils.

The spiritual ethos of the school is fostered through our assemblies, which take place three times a week in Chapel. We welcome and respect all faiths while maintaining the traditions of our Christian heritage. Our assemblies are coordinated by Mrs Kirk and include contributions from our Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff and pupils alike. We are supported by Reverend Trott, our School Chaplain, and we regularly invite outside speakers to address our pupils, maintaining social and charitable links with the local community. All pupil in Years 7-9 study RS and have the option to study RS as an extra GCSE through the activities programme.

At Pitsford School, the wellbeing of each child is paramount. The coordination of this care is undertaken by the Deputy Head, Mrs Kirk, who meets with each year group tutorial team every third week and ensures that staff are briefed with any information that may be important to supporting the academic progress and personal happiness of the children.

In addition to tutor support we have a trained school listener, sixth form peer mentors and drop in sessions from our school nurses.

Safeguarding

​The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is Mrs Fidelma Kirk. Additionally we have two Deputy Designated Senior Leads: Mrs Charlotte King, Head of Sixth Form and Mrs Frances Jeffrey, Head of EYFS.

We take our responsibilities to protect our children very seriously. All staff are trained regularly in our safeguarding procedures and protocols in accordance with the national and local guidance. Please see our Safeguarding Policy for more information.

Finding their strengths

In the Junior School the first point of care comes from the class teacher. Children are taught in small groups and the class teachers are experienced in guiding them through the different developmental stages. Teachers are ably supported by a team of teaching assistants who spend time with the children in small learning groups, at lunch time and during breaks. With a well developed programme in place for PSHE and other aspects of learning that promote well being, such as nutritional meals, daily exercise and plenty of outdoor space in which to play, children at Pitsford learn to care about themselves and others. We know that happy children learn best and this is our priority for every child.

Each child is unique so we look to helping our children find what makes them special. Recognising their strengths boosts confidence and we give them plenty of encouragement and opportunity to receive praise. We are also there to support and help to find the strategies to surmount the difficulties that they will inevitably face: overcoming small challenges gives children the resilience to help tackle the bigger ones.

Safeguarding

If you have any concerns regarding a child’s welfare, please speak in the first instance to their teacher; if the matter is more serious or sensitive or you have a concern that a child may be at risk from harm then speak to Mrs Jeffrey who is the Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding in the Junior School

​The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding at Pitsford School is Mrs Fidelma Kirk. Additionally we have two Deputy Designated Senior Leads: Mrs Frances Jeffrey, Head of EYFS and Mrs King who is Head of Sixth Form.

We take our responsibilities to protect our children very seriously. All staff are trained regularly in our safeguarding procedures and protocols in accordance with the national and local guidance. Please see our Safeguarding Policy for more information.