Pastoral care is about looking after the pupils to enable them to lead fulfilling and balanced lives, both in and out of school. It is about teaching children about the risks they might encounter and how to stay safe; it’s about encouraging them to look after themselves and others; and about knowing when, where and how to seek support from others.
All staff are responsible for pastoral care of all pupils. Pupils are listened to and their opinions sought and valued. This happens through day-to-day interactions between staff and pupils, circle time in class and through pupil surveys and the school council.
At Ashford St Mary’s we believe children need to be taught how to keep safe. Pupils participate in the following presentations and workshops:
- Being safe around dogs (The Dogs Trust)
- Road safety ( B-Viz and Smart Brothers)
- Safe cycling (Bikeability)
- NSPCC / Childline workshops
- Anti-bullying workshops
- Young Citizen Scheme
- Fire safety (Kent Fire and Rescue Service)
E-safety is taught across the curriculum and within ICT lessons.
Pupils are also encouraged to support and care for each other through initiatives such as Playground Friends and Peer Mentors as well as paired and collaborative work in class. As children go through the school they take on more responsibility for their own belongings and for other areas in the school such as house captains, librarians, register monitors and fruit monitors.
All staff are trained in First Aid Awareness and specific staff hold First Aid at Word and Paediatric First Aid qualifications. Staff required to administer routine medications receive training from appropriate health professionals such the diabetes team at William Harvey Hospital, respiratory nurse etc. Pupils have also had the opportunity to gain first aid knowledge and skills through extra-curricular sessions led by St John’s Ambulance.