Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Documents

Anti-Bullying Policy

Child Protection Policy

Discipline Policy

Drugs Policy

Internet Safety Policy

Responsibilities of Teachers, Parents & Pupils

Rationale

Pastoral Care is concerned with the total welfare of the child. A Pastoral Care Policy informs all belonging to the school community of the ways in which welfare is delivered. It sets out:

The broad principles by which it is underpinned
The rights and responsibilities of all concerned with the education and welfare of the pupils
The involvement of support agencies from outside the school
The means by which support is delivered in the school
The rules and routines to support a learning environment
The rewards and sanctions teachers may employ

In this way it guides and supports teachers, pupils and parents in the shared aim of fulfilment of potential.

Therefore, the pastoral dimension is inclusive of curriculum development, special needs, staff development, home - school links and a positive discipline policy.

Schools are in a position to promote and safeguard the welfare of all children.
Child protection in schools has 3 main elements

Through the curriculum pupils are encouraged to develop strategies to keep safe.
Through vetting to ensure that only suitable persons work with pupils.
Through responding appropriately when child abuse concerns are raised about a pupil.

Designated Teachers

All schools must have a named designated teacher and deputy teacher as well as a Child Protection Policy.

DESIGNATED TEACHERS FOR CHILD PROTECTION

Mrs F Boyd	-	Vice-Principal
Mrs C O Shea	-	Head Key Stage One
Mr C White	-	Head Key Stage Two

Aims of Pastoral Care

To place the welfare of the child and staff as a paramount aspect of the aims of the school.
That the child is aware of his / her own worth and value so that they can reciprocate this in their dealings with their peers.
To develop the child socially, emotionally, morally and psychologically.
To create a safe and secure environment for all.
That parents and staff may know and have confidence in pastoral care arrangements.
To make parents feel welcome at the school.
To develop excellent professional relationships among the staff.
To adopt a positive approach to discipline.
To develop effective links with other schools and outside agencies.
To attend appropriately to the special needs of the children.
To promote the Catholic ethos by prayer, good example and committed dedicated service.

External Links

Social Services
CASS
Education Welfare Officer
Peripatetic Teachers/Outreach Teachers
Educational Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Speech and Language Therapists
School nurse / doctor
Board of Governors
Belfast Education and Library Board/South Eastern education and Library Board
Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
Department of Education for Northern Ireland
Priests, community sisters, St Vincent de Paul, community groups, Upper Springfield Development Group, Youth club, Gort na Mona
Local nurseries, primary and secondary schools
Cross community links