Pastoral Care

In these formative years, attitudes, trust in authority and confidence in leadership are shaped. We make sure that your child has the best start possible to build their confidence and teach them how to become an essential part of the community whilst not losing their individuality; how to blend communal spirit with personal best.

We have staff dedicated to creating a close-knit community at Ardingly. The small class sizes ensure that every member of staff can get to know your child’s likes, needs and worries and be best placed to ensure they are happy and comfortable at school.

Parents are keenly encouraged to be part of their child’s school life and to develop positive relationships with staff, through regular contact at morning drop-off and afternoon collection as well as at more formal occasions, such as parent evenings.

Then you, as parents, can be confident that your child is cherished and cared for from the moment they are dropped off until collection at the end of a wonderful day.

Finding a sense of place and belonging

Pastoral care is multifaceted to ensure every child is happy and well-cared for:

• Teachers. Every teacher gets to know the Prep pupils as individuals, either as their form tutor or class teacher or from supervising assemblies, activities, sports, playtimes and school trips
• Tutors. Year groups are divided into classes, each with a form tutor who understands each child, looks after their welfare and academic progress and is the first point of contact between parents and the school
• Houses. Pupils love being part of a House. It fosters a sense of belonging and children are spurred on to earn ‘pluses’ for their House. Team loyalty is cemented through participation in Inter-House competitions in music, sport, art, and drama
• Peer friendship and respect. Strolling through the campus as a visitor or parent, you will see how the older pupils are considerate and helpful towards the young ones. And the younger pupils respect and aspire to be the confident young people they encounter daily.

Team Building – KS2

During the first week of the academic year, all of the girls and boys attend the whole school overnight camp to get to know one another and build trust and relationships with each other and with staff.

Throughout the academic year, each year group takes part in two team building sessions. One of the most popular activities is the ‘on the water’ raft day at our neighbouring Ardingly Reservoir.

PSHCE

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) is built into the curriculum via separate lessons led by form tutors and specialists in the field, including nurses from our own Medical Centre. During these classes, we reflect, discuss and consider how we behave, think and feel in our everyday dealings.