Pastoral Care
All members of staff at the Old Vicarage School are well aware of their responsibilities of being ‘in loco parentis’, giving the children the same level of care and support they would give their own families. We pride ourselves here on our family atmosphere. The older children are encouraged to share in the responsibility of nurturing the younger pupils during free time on the playground, at lunch or during clubs & activities.
There is an emphasis placed upon encouragement and reward in our ‘house’ system. Special coins and certificates are awarded for good work or positive behaviour. Each Friday morning our assembly is dedicated to an awards ceremony, where talents and achievements are celebrated.
There is excellent discipline and high standards of behaviour at our school. This is because a high priority is placed on building good relationships in our community. Children are expected to support each other and discuss problems. Other ‘negative’ ways of dealing with disputes are firmly discouraged and do not form part of our culture. Our staff are able to achieve good discipline and use sanctions when necessary without the need to discipline children publicly.
There is additionally a ‘Worry Procedure’ in place for the pupils at the Old Vicarage School. This is a procedure that every child understands and shows them where they can go and who they can see if in trouble, upset or worried in any way during the school day.