Pastoral Care
Personal, Health, Social, Emotional and Behavioural Skills.
Barfield School provides a high standard of Pastoral care for their children.
- We believe the social and emotional aspects of learning are key areas which need to be developed in children so they can learn effectively. We provide facilities for accessing a wide curriculum and additional activities which give pupils many opportunities to develop self-esteem and self-awareness.
- Classes are relatively small and children receive individual attention, support and guidance to help develop them managing their feelings, empathy and social skills.
- There is a healthy and positive atmosphere around the school where good manners are encouraged at all times. The emphasis is on setting high expectations and standards so that pupils gradually develop their own self-discipline and motivation towards positive learning.
- Staff are encouraged to look for the best in all pupils and to develop these qualities with a firm, fair and friendly approach. Good communication and access between children, staff and parents is seen as being vital to our success and there are plenty of opportunities for this to take place throughout the academic year.
- The children themselves form an important part of the Pastoral Care network and Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputies, Captains, Monitors and Buddies are appropriately appointed throughout the school.
Within each of these aspects of Barfield’s ethos there lies a trust and respect between staff and children. We believe every member of staff has a role to play in providing for our pupil’s pastoral needs and promoting a number of individual skills — social, emotional and behavioural. These include such skills as understanding another's point of view, working in a group, or sticking at things when they get difficult.
The Headmaster and Head of the Pre-Prep have overall responsibility for pastoral care but the day to day care of the children is devolved to the Form Tutors, Senior Mistress (Miss Cathy Anderson), Mr Ray Taylor and Mrs Elizabeth Anslow (counsellor).
As well as daily contact with their classes, Form Tutors deliver one lesson weekly (PSHCE) which underpins almost every aspect of school, home and community life, including effective learning, positive behaviour and getting on with other people. We feel that children with good skills in these areas are more likely to be successful learners, make and sustain friendships, and resolve problems and conflicts fairly and effectively. They will be well equipped to manage their feelings, overcome difficulties and work and play cooperatively.
Barfield School endeavours to promote these essential skills in all its pupils to build a happy and friendly atmosphere.
