The pastoral care and support or our students is of paramount importance to us and permeates every aspect of school life. Every member of staff shares a joint responsibility for promoting well-being, as well as the moral, social and spiritual development of students. That students are treated as unique individuals is apparent in the warm relationships and mutual respect evident between students and staff and in the close working relationships we have with parents and carers.

Our commitment to these themes has been judged to be no less than outstanding in inspections to date.

Our ethos is characterised by this relational approach with high levels of support, inclusivity and a practical commitment to welfare underpinning the positive atmosphere in classrooms, high quality teaching and learning and student outcomes.

Students are supported by a contemporary and rigorous PSHEE Programme which immerses them in the complexities of modern life and provides them with the relevant and adaptable life skills they require for an ever-shifting world. Our specific pastoral House structure enables a deep understanding of students' needs through partnership with families and our skilled Student Support Team are relentlessly focussed on meeting these individual needs.

Through strategic leadership of inclusion and Safeguarding we ensure effective and timely multi-agency working that advocates for our students and their families at times of most need, partnering with CAHMS, Young Devon, Barnardo’s and Jerimiah’s Journey amongst others.

We know you want the best for your child and so would ask for your cooperation in keeping us informed of any circumstance that may affect them.

If your child is diagnosed with any new medical condition after they join us in Year 7 please remember to contact your Head of House to update us and allow us to work with you to support your child.  If your child becomes ill and is unable to attend school, we will work with you to ensure that their education is not disrupted if at all possible.  We will support their reintegration back into school after illness with a variety of measures to reduce any potential anxieties.

We know you will be keen to assist us in removing any potential barriers to progress, as you are as keen as we are to see your child achieving their full potential in school.  If you wish to seek advice about any matter of a confidential nature that may affect the wellbeing of your child, please contact Mrs Ruth Morgan who is the Assistant Head Teacher in charge of Inclusion and also the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Rationale

• The counselling service at school is there to support student welfare and mental health in the context of holistic Pastoral Support and is a confidential service.
• We employ counsellors from external providers who see students on site at DHSG. The counsellor manages their clients via the procedures and practices of their service.
• The service is a limited resource and will be targeted efficiently and strategically to be most effective in its aims and outcomes. Primarily, this is to support students in accessing their education by reducing stress and anxiety.  Students approaching key examinations will be prioritised.
• Additional professional services are available for referral in cases of high need, such as CAMHS and the early help assessment will be actioned where student welfare is impacted significantly by multiple factors.

Referrals to the Counselling service

• No referral should be made without the prior knowledge of the student.
• All recommendations made by staff for the referral of students to the Counsellor, should be made via the Heads of House/ Head of Sixth.
• Heads of House/ Head of Sixth will discuss each recommendation with the SLT lead for Inclusion and complete a Student Support Team referral. This is so that the waiting list can be managed effectively to target highest need.
• Students may self-refer directly, but if they choose not to share their reasons for requesting the service, it may not be possible to prioritise them above other known high need cases.
• Parents/carers may refer via their child’s tutor or Head of House.
• We will always seek to work closely with Parents/carers to support good mental health but will not routinely inform that their child is accessing this service.

If you have any questions about the school counselling offer please contact Mr Alan Thomas, the Inclusion Lead.

Young carers are under 18’s who may have to emotionally or physically support a family member who has a disability, illness or addiction.  On average there are 250,000 young carers in the UK alone.  As a school we Provide support, guidance and monitor individual needs closely so that additional external support is considered at an early stage if it becomes evident it is needed.  We work closely with Barnardo’s and the Youth Service. Please contact your child’s Head of House for further information.