Pastoral Care and Support

An outstanding pastoral care programme supports the physical and emotional welfare of your child. It is in place to ensure the safety and happiness of every pupil and there to manage involvement and integration in school.

We strive to be the best independent school we can be and our pastoral care and support programme is significant to our success. We instil a strong sense of community and promote values by which we adhere to. By doing so, we provide a caring and safe environment.

The pastoral care and support available at Yarm Preparatory School

Through our pastoral structure, as well as our programmes for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), we help support every child to become a valuable member of society. We help pupils understand themselves and others, and show them how to develop a personal code of morals that reflect an understanding of fundamental British values.

These are underpinned by daily school assemblies and embed the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Pupil voice is at the centre of our pastoral care. Pupils have a safe, caring environment here at Yarm Preparatory School. It’s a place where they feel respected and listened to by all adults. Children also have a Form Teacher who develops warm relationships with each child and their parents on a day-to-day basis.

The Deputy Head, who is also the Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding and Child Protection, oversees pastoral provision and liaises closely with the Pastoral Leaders and Form Teachers. Our School Council and Eco Committee develop pupil voice further. Year 6 pupils also have the opportunity to become a Peer Mentor, giving them the chance to develop the skills to support younger children during play times and other events.

As well as their form, each child belongs to a house in the Prep School. School houses enable the children to develop friendships across a range of year groups. They also allow them to forge relationships with house tutors who remain close to them throughout their time here.

Mental health and well-being at school

The mental health and well-being of our pupils is paramount to our strong pastoral care. We promote positive mental health throughout school, with children in Year 4 practicing yoga and Year 5 pupils practicing mindfulness. There is also a regular focus on well-being during theme weeks.

Our Well-being Lead and school pastoral team are always on hand to support children. We also have a number of staff with Mental Health First Aid training.

Our staff go to great lengths to work in partnership with parents to ensure their children are happy and fulfilled. Form Teachers are available to see each day at the beginning and end of school, and via email. We value communication that is open, timely and supportive and believe that the closer we work in partnership with our parents the more progress a child will make.

What we expect from our pupils

As a school we follow six core values. These guide us and underline what is needed to become a respectful, thoughtful and empowered, 21st century citizen. These are:

• Resourceful
• Ambitious
• Safe
• Compassionate
• Responsible
• Respectful

Every pupil has the right to look for happiness and security at school. We believe that our school environment should balance high personal and social standards with a friendly atmosphere and mutual tolerance for all.