Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

We know that every child is unique, so we tailor our approach to their education accordingly. We encourage them to develop their talents and interests as they grow. Pupils leave us as motivated, confident individuals with a strong sense of who they are. Feedback from the senior schools that our pupils go to, further reinforces the work we do in terms of pastoral care, and we are always gratified to hear how grounded, sensible and well-balanced they find St Ives pupils to be.

PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) is taught throughout the school from Nursery through to Year 6 and covers a broad range of topics from managing friendships and change to setting goals, promoting mental health and wellbeing, exploring diversity and personal safety.

We operate an open-door policy and both parents and pupils are encouraged to come and talk to staff about any pastoral concerns they may have. Each child has a dedicated form tutor who they are also able to talk to and pastoral meetings are held on a weekly basis to ensure that no issue, however small, slips through the net.

Wellbeing is a central part of life at St Ives. Wellbeing is enhanced through creativity, exercise outdoors, and relaxation. Students are offered time for all of these strands within their school day.  In addition, there are Wellbeing Drop-ins, a Wellbeing club and our Wellbeing Champion is on hand for support. Form time twice a day provides an additional forum for wellbeing to be discussed and the form teacher and pastoral structure through the school enable individuals to feel secure and valued. Weekly Personal, Social and Health Education lessons further support children in developing wellness and promoting mental health. The school also has Worry Boxes for children to post concerns in, and Gratitude Boxes to celebrate the things they are grateful for.