Supporting Every Child: Our Approach to Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

 

Pastoral Care: A Foundation for Growth

Our pastoral system ensures that every student has a trusted point of contact. Elementary Class Teachers and Middle and High School Form Tutors build strong, positive relationships with their students, offering guidance and support day to day.

When additional help is needed, our dedicated Wellbeing Team steps in. This team includes a Pastoral Lead, a Designated Safeguarding Lead, a Head of Wellbeing and a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Together, they provide emotional and behavioural support, conflict resolution guidance, and a safe space for students to regulate their emotions.

As well as being responsive to specific needs, they run a drop-in Listening Centre for Middle and High School students and all students are aware that they can request a ‘Walk and Talk’ with one of the team should they need it. If a student feels more comfortable sharing their concerns in writing, we have a designated email address which is monitored by our DSL.

 

For students who require more specialist help with their mental health, we have a school counsellor available two mornings a week to support both students and their families. In addition, for students who have Additional Educational Needs and/or related mental health needs, we refer them to our  Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Whatever your child’s needs, we are here to listen and help.

A Proactive Wellbeing Programme

Our Wellbeing Programme is grounded in Positive Psychology and uses Martin Seligman’s PERMAH model: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health.

This framework shapes our proactive approach, helping students build resilience and emotional literacy before challenges arise. Each term, the whole school focuses on a wellbeing theme - this year’s themes are Belonging, Emotional Intelligence, and Social Skills.

Weekly strategies are shared with staff and delivered in age-appropriate formats across four age bands: 3–7, 7–11, 11–14, and 14–18. Themes are launched through assemblies and reinforced during form time, wellbeing sessions, and PSHE lessons, creating consistency and visibility across the school.

Staff wellbeing is also a priority, with resources and training designed to support professional growth and Staff Wellbeing Workshops on offer to support their wellbeing as well. Parents are included through webinars and workshops, strengthening the school-home partnership in promoting wellbeing.

Anti-Bullying and Kindness Counts

We take a strong stance against bullying and actively promote kindness as a core value. Our Elementary students learn to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully”, while Middle and High School students tackle bullying through the Three Rs: ‘Recognise, Refuse, Report’. Across all ages, we encourage students to be upstanders rather than bystanders, fostering a culture of empathy and respect. Initiatives like Kindness Counts Week reinforce these values and help create a positive, inclusive environment.

Student Voice in Wellbeing

Wellbeing at RIS is built with students, not just for them. Our 23 Student Wellbeing Ambassadors meet weekly to share ideas, plan events, and lead initiatives that strengthen community and connection. From organising Hello Yellow Day to creating cross-age activities, their creativity and leadership inspire the whole school to care for ourselves and one another.

Why It Matters

Our structured, consistent, whole-school approach ensures that wellbeing is not an add-on - it’s embedded into everyday practice. By equipping students, staff, and families with practical tools and strategies, we aim to create an environment where every child feels supported and ready to learn.

We know there is always more to do, and we continue to listen, adapt, and improve. Together, we can help every student grow - not just academically, but personally and emotionally too.

The Wellbeing Team

Ms. A.Lain - Vice Principal and Pastoral Lead      

Ms. C. Rodas - Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ms. R. Phillips-Bianco - Head of Wellbeing

Ms. H. Turnbull - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Pastoral Assistant