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Student Support

At Walthamstow Hall we approach the care of our pupils in a positive way, reinforcing the philosophy and ethos of the school. Through Prayers (assemblies), form periods, our PSHCE programme and the way in which we treat our pupils on a day-to-day basis, they are encouraged to feel secure, cared for and respected and to show care and respect for each other. We place the greatest emphasis on the welfare and well-being of the young people in our care. All pupils are encouraged to speak freely and openly to any member of staff if they have any concerns. Staff respond to girls in a sympathetic and concerned way, offering advice, support, guidance and reassurance if required. Staff are on duty at break and lunchtimes and supervise different areas of the school, including school lunches and packed lunches. Pupils are normally allowed to be in their form rooms before school and at break and lunchtimes, where there is an expectation of civilised behaviour. They may bring a snack from home to eat in their form rooms at break. Girls having school lunch eat in the Dining Hall and girls who bring their own packed lunch eat in the room designated for the purpose. Full supervision continues during the extra-curricular activities such as clubs and ‘twilight’ lessons held during and after school.

Rewards and Sanctions

The school’s approach to both rewards and sanctions reflects and supports the school’s ethos and code of conduct. We seek to reward and celebrate each person’s successes, talents and endeavours. Rewards are designed to recognise both achievement and effort and encourage leadership, diligence, initiative and good behaviour, as well as a sense of responsibility to each other in the school community. We try to place the emphasis on achievements rather than failings, with thanks, praise and encouragement wherever possible. A positive approach that reinforces good behaviour and standards is the ideal to which we aspire. Sanctions, if necessary, are seen as regrettable and are intended to be proportionate and appropriate, fair and consistent. None of the school’s punishments will be degrading or humiliating.

The PSHCE Programme

PSHCE is the acronym that we use as shorthand for Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education.

Through our PSHCE programme we aim:

To promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development;
To develop confidence and responsibility in preparation for the opportunities and experiences of life;
To develop a healthy, safe lifestyle;
To develop good relationships and respect for the differences between people;
To develop an awareness of important environmental issues;
To prepare girls to play an active role as citizens.

It is important that the programme should:

Value the contributions of all;
Challenge stereotypical views;
Allow diversity and commonality to be appreciated;
Encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own actions.

Content of the PSHCE programme

The programme covers the five broad themes of:

Personal and Social Education
Health Education
Citizenship
Environmental and Global Issues
Careers and Study Skills

Tutors have some flexibility to adapt the programme according to the needs of a particular group or year group and to vary the depth of coverage and approaches as appropriate. The Deputy Head has overall responsibility for the PSHCE programme throughout the school. She monitors and oversees provision for each year group in conjunction with the Heads of Lower and Middle School and the Head of Sixth Form.

Delivery of the PSHCE Programme

Although there is time set aside on the timetable for PSHCE lessons, there are many other subject areas and opportunities where the topics dealt with in PSHCE can be supported. The strong links with other curriculum subjects are encouraged so that the teaching of many important topics becomes a whole-staff responsibility.

The PSHCE programme is delivered mainly by the Form Tutor but other staff with particular areas of expertise will also take sessions with either forms or the whole year group combined. Outside speakers are also involved on a regular basis. Health education is supported by the Nursing Sisters from the school Medical Centre; Citizenship by Kent County Constabulary Youth Crime Reduction Officer and Careers Education by regular input from Kent 'Connexions'.

Work for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Voluntary Service and the Financial Literacy Challenge supplements aspects of the programme in the upper part of the school and in the Sixth Form.

The School maintains a Medical Centre and qualified nursing cover throughout the normal working day. Any girl feeling unwell during school hours will be taken to the Medical Centre, where Sister will decide on the most appropriate course of action. If a girl needs to be sent home, Sister will contact parents and the Tutor will be informed. No girl should make independent arrangements to be collected.

Pastoral Heads and Form Tutors provide guidance and monitor personal and academic well-being, working alongside their tutees, who are actively involved in reviewing their own progress and setting themselves targets. There is plenty of praise and recognition, expert advice and up-to-date information when needed.

Study skills, time management and careers awareness and guidance all start early and plenty of assistance is at hand when subject, career and university choices need to be made. A programme of talks from universities and professions, work experience placements and links with our extensive Alumnae Network ensures girls are well prepared.

Teachers are free to focus all of their energies on teaching and supporting their pupils, thanks to the outstanding backup of highly qualified and dedicated support staff, be they our graduate Laboratory Technicians and IT staff, our skilled Chef and his team, our school Nurses or our helpful and efficient Administrative Team.

Discipline in a school where people are known, valued and well motivated is rarely a problem. The School Code has been formulated in consultation with the student School Council; it covers topics such as standards of behaviour, relationships and the environment. The school has firm policies on bullying, internet/ICT, alcohol and drug abuse and minor transgressions are swiftly dealt with. Consideration for others, self-discipline and good behaviour are the norm and rewards and sanctions are applied consistently and fairly. Pupils respect this, themselves and each other.

We encourage close and regular communication with parents, both formal and informal, and individual appointments to the Headmistress, Senior Deputy Head or Deputy Head are readily available to parents to discuss any issue. Parents, staff and girls work in a productive partnership throughout a girl’s time at Walthamstow Hall.

Our dynamic mix of pupils, teachers and support staff is united by a sense of Walthamstow Hall’s history, whilst always looking and moving forwards. Together we make Walthamstow Hall an exciting, busy and friendly place to be.

Internet Safety

As well as the e-safety advice and guidelines set out in our e-safety policy and within our students' school planners we recommend the following websites for further information on this area:

Think U Know

www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

BBC Stay Safe

www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/help/safesurfing/

Digizen

www.digizen.org/

Care for the family

www.careforthefamily.org.uk/pdf/supportnet/InternetSafety.pdf

Childnet

www.childnet-int.org/

Family Online Safe Institute

www.fosi.org