Pastoral Support
Our Ethos
Our aim is for our students to be responsible, active and respectful citizens who will have developed as individuals and as part of a community. They will be ready to thrive personally and academically and take opportunities offered to develop their talents and acquire skills for later life. This will be achieved within an inclusive, safe and enriching environment. They will understand how to keep themselves safe and have a good understanding of their own character and beliefs.
Edgbarrow students will embody our values Ready, Respectful, Safe and Positive to allow the to enjoy, grow and achieve.
The Pastoral Team
Each child is placed into a tutor group for five years at Edgbarrow. Where possible, they will remain with the same Head of Year and Tutor throughout their time with us. We believe this rolling system allows us to build trusting, purposeful relationships with students and their families, ensuring their academic success and personal development. It also helps build a sense of family and community within our tutor groups.
The Head of Year is responsible for the pastoral care of all students in their year group. They are present throughout the school day, lead assemblies, celebrate student successes, and manage many other key areas. Our Heads of Year are passionate about the ethos and culture created within their year groups. Each Year team has its own distinct character, but all underpin our core values: Ready, Respectful, Safe, and Positive.
Each tutor group has a personalised programme of activities during tutor time, including guided reading and SMSC activities. Assemblies support their social, moral, spiritual, and cultural education, providing an opportunity for the year group to meet together.
Every child deserves a member of staff who knows them very well—someone who challenges them to be the best they can be, holds them to account when needed, encourages and builds a sense of belonging within the school community, and provides a listening ear. Edgbarrow tutors are the first port of call for families, as they understand the whole picture of a child’s education, from their home life to how they are achieving across the curriculum. The tutor is integral to our strong pastoral system.
Each year group is supported by an Engagement Mentor whose role is to specifically support students in overcoming any difficulties, challenges, or barriers they may face, allowing them to fully focus, engage in their learning, and reach their full potential. They work very closely with and support the Heads of Year and tutors.
Students are also supported by a knowledgeable Inclusion team, comprising the SEND, Safeguarding, and Attendance departments, who deliver targeted provision and liaise with external agencies and professionals.
Throughout the year, there are opportunities for the year group to come together to celebrate during the termly rewards raffle and year group trips. Individuals can also develop their own character skills, such as leadership and cooperation, via the form rep role, the Culture and Heritage afternoon, and inter-form competitions.
Student views about fixed Tutor Groups
Can talk openly about anything and everything.
They all listen to one another and on whole will be supportive.
They help each other solve potential problems/issues.
Work as a team because we know each other so well.
Feels like a family.
Happy they can go to tutor with any problem.
Student views about fixed Head of Year system
I like the fact that you build a relationship with your Head of Year and they know your family really well too.
Trust is built over the five years because they know you so well.
Become more comfortable discussing more sensitive subjects with them.
It means everything is consistent and you know where you stand and the year group gets that stability.
Helps learning as again will know what is best for each individual.
Please visit the following sections to find out more about our Pastoral Support:
