At Skippers we believe that it is through effective pastoral care that pupils feel at ease, grow in confidence and give of their best. Effective pastoral care also nurtures an enjoyment of learning in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Our school is a happy, safe and caring environment which fosters kindness, individuality, concern for others, independence and growth mind-set. Everything we do at Skippers is underpinned by a culture of kindness. This is reinforced in lessons, workshops and assemblies. Our outstanding pastoral care supports each child individually in their health and wellbeing.
All pupils are taught PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). We address aspects of personal, social, moral, spiritual and health education as appropriate to the age of the children.
Every child at Skippers has a “circle of care” around them. We have a multi-tiered pastoral system involving the Senior Leadership Team, pastoral coordinators, teachers, teaching assistants, bus drivers, catering, administrative and grounds staff. Pupils also have extra support through a special tutor whom they select and a specialised visiting art therapist.
Form time is timetabled every day giving our staff the opportunity to discuss aspirations, achievements or anxieties. Our Form Teachers devote themselves to knowing each child, noticing and responding to each child’s strengths and needs. Overarching this our Pastoral Leads meet with Form Teachers and the Deputy Head regularly to ensure nothing and no-one is missed.
The Headmaster’s door is always open to children, whether they want to tell him a piece of news or something that is on their mind. These excellent relationships between our adults and children create a happy atmosphere in which each child is able to grow in confidence, make positive contributions to the life of the school and others and, perhaps most importantly, to have fun.
As it is for everyone, our children want to be valued, cared for and loved. It is important for all of us at Skippers that our children enjoy their childhood and realise that on this planet of 7.7 billion people, no-one is exactly like them. Each of them is unique and has a valuable part to play at Skippers and in their own future.
