Students are allocated to a form group on entry to HWS. Being part of this tutor group creates an arena for students to discuss and share pastoral concerns. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents/carers for all students. Tutors get to know their form very well, registering them once a day throughout their time at school, meeting parents and making contact with home when necessary.
In addition to this, students with special educational needs may have a designated key link, they will identify themselves to the young person and parents/carers at the start of the academic year and ensure they all know how to get in touch with them.
If it is felt that the student’s pastoral need requires specific specialist support, HWs will discuss the appropriateness of it and support parents/carers to make a referral to an agency external to the school, for example Child & Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) occupational therapy or speech and language therapy.
All students with medical needs are seen by the Welfare Officer. A Medical Care Plan is drawn up and the student’s medication is kept locked in the medical office with this plan. Students need to go to the medical office to take their medication, so it can be recorded and monitored. Staff are informed of students that have a Care Plan each year.