Pastoral

CARE

We understand that every pupil is different. They learn in different ways and have different interests and areas of strength. Individual pupils also have different needs at different times. Our pastoral care strategy is geared towards helping each pupil discover where their particular talents lie and offering tailored support when they need it.

We have a highly personalised approach to meeting the academic, physical and emotional needs of every pupil. We use information and data from primary schools, our own assessments, national tests and from our meetings with pupils and their parents to make sure we know our pupils well and understand their individual needs.

A combination of outstanding learning and teaching, wide-ranging enrichment activities, regular opportunities for emotional and character development and an extensive programme of challenge and support enables us to maximise every pupil’s chance of success.

Pastoral Team

At Small Heath Leadership Academy, pupils are members of form groups led by a team of Form Tutors. Form Tutors are the first point of contact between home and the Academy. Form Tutors remain with their Year Group to ensure consistency as pupils progress through the Academy, nurturing strong relationships with pupils and their families.

Each Year Group is overseen by a Pastoral Lead, who monitors pupils’ progress and engagement with the Academy, and offers support as needed. Pastoral Leads work in conjunction with senior staff, whose job is to ensure that all of the pupils in their Year Group are benefitting from the highest standards of pastoral care.

The Pastoral Team is also supported by a Senior Leader designated to their Year Group. The Vice Principal (Behaviour) has overall responsibility for quality assuring and monitoring pastoral care.

We believe that all pupils must be enabled to feel safe in the Academy. We offer a full programme of activities during morning registration time aimed at personal and pastoral development, as well as an assembly programme with visiting speakers and advice on healthy living.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

At Small Heath Leadership Academy our aim is to support each student with their emotional health and wellbeing, which also includes promoting positive mental health. We facilitate this through our safeguarding team, pastoral team, tutor time programme, PSHE lessons and external visitors programme. We also work in partnership with external support agencies where necessary.
The teenage years are both exciting and challenging for parents and carers. It can be hard to know whether a teenager’s feelings and behaviour are normal or becoming a problem.
For any student who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health we have qualified Mental Health First Aiders along with our Safeguarding Team who are available to listen, offer advice, mentor or signpost parents/students to agencies who can offer guidance.
If you are in any way concerned for your child and would like more information please see the resource page below specifically relating to those areas of need most common to secondary school aged children and young adults. You will find information on the condition, what signs to look out for at home and links to agencies offering support.


Childline

Childline is a private and confidential service for young people up to the age of 19 years. You can contact a Childline counsellor for free.
Telephone: 08001111
www.childline.org.uk

Concern Form

Please use this form to report a concern you have about another student in the academy or about how you are feeling.

Form Link

Samaritans

Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
www.samaritans.org

Young Mind Parents/Carers

Young Mind offers support to families during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/

MIND

Mind offers support for families with tips for everyday living
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/

NHS

The NHS provides valuable information on getting help from a mental health charity
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
The NHS provides valuable information on helping your child beat exam stress
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/coping-with-exam-stress/

Anna Freud Centre

The Anna Freud Centre provides a focus on self-care and about the things we can do to look after our own mental health
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/
The Youth Wellbeing Directory provides a list of free local and national organisations for anyone up to the age of 25, along with important information.
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/