Pastoral Care

Mrs Kirstin Hooper
Student Support Team Leader

Here at Penrice we recognise that, for some children, school is not always an easy experience. Children occasionally face social and emotional challenges which can impact on their learning.

Our pastoral support includes guidance, advice and information to students and their families within our school community, helping with any worries or concerns that may arise in relation to a child’s education, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing. Our role includes liaising with staff, parents and outside agencies to ensure the wellbeing of individual students is fully supported.

Areas of Support

Attendance and punctuality
Self-esteem and confidence
Positive behaviour strategies and advice
Positive mental health/emotional first aid
Conflict resolutions
Friendships / Social Skills
Bereavement
One-to-one mentoring support
Group work intervention

These are all valuable life skills for which some students may need a little extra support with. Some issues may require long term support whilst others may need short-term intervention. Within the mentoring programme, identified students can have the opportunity to spend designated time with a trusted adult on a 1:1 basis or within a small group. The benefits of these interventions for students can be improved self-esteem, making and maintaining positive friendships and attitudes, increase in self-confidence and the ability to manage their own feelings successfully.

The Student Family Centre (SFC)

A large proportion of our pastoral care is delivered in the on-site Student Family Centre.

The SFC has an open-door policy. At times, students may be feeling upset or worried; they may have some friendship difficulties which might affect their day-to-day learning, or they might just want to pop in to say hello before the start of the school! Whatever the reason, we are here for all students at any point during the school day.

Lastly, some students may need to meet a specialist external visitor during school hours who is already supporting them. The SFC is a safe and comfortable place for these meetings to be held.

Pastoral Support Mentors (PSMs)

Mrs K Sutcliffe
Year 7 Pastoral Support
ksutcliffe@penrice.org.uk

Mr E Thomas, Co-PSM: Mrs K Hooper
Year 8 Pastoral Support
ethomas@penrice.org.uk

Mrs G Bentley
Year 9 Pastoral Support
gbentley@penrice.org.uk

Mr E Thomas, Co-PSM: Mrs K Sutcliffe
Year 10 Pastoral Support
ethomas@penrice.org.uk

Mrs A Stevenson
Year 11 Pastoral Support
asmith1@penrice.org.uk

Request Support & Funding

The Pastoral Support Mentors can also provide support, advice and information to families experiencing short or long-term difficulties, including financial support with school uniform or equipment, all of which may impact on a child’s education, behaviour and wellbeing.

Hardship Fund Request Form (Word: 68KB)Cost of Living Support – What is available?

For further information and advice, please contact Kirstin Hooper, Student Support Lead – khooper@penrice.org.uk.