The Quality of Care and Relationships

"The strong focus on the value of each individual enables pupils to grow rapidly inself-esteem and confidence..."

"Excellent pastoral care in the quiet and positive atmosphere of the school supports pupils very well, fully in the spirit of the school’s mission statement to educate young people, accompanying them in their efforts to build their lives in the present and forthe future. Staff are wholeheartedly committed to the well-being of the pupils..."

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report, 2011

"The excellent pastoral care system functions throughout the School, based on the key principles of support and ‘accompaniment’ as in our Mission Statement.  The Form staff are well managed and led by a team of Year Heads and the Assistant Deputy Head.  They meet regularly and communicate daily with each other.  The entire pastoral team works as a closely integrated unit to provide total care for the whole community.  Pupils have commented they feel secure, well known and cared for by all pastoral staff.

Mrs Valerie Cochrane Pastoral Deputy

"The school radiates a caring attitude.  Relationships are excellent between pupils, staff and pupils, and staff and parents.   Older pupils happily mix with younger ones, a characteristic fostered by the school’s ‘Big Sister’ scheme for Year 7 pupils, many of whom feel proud to have a 6th former as a mentor and friend.  Peer Mentors, drawn from our Year 10 and Year 12 pupils, work with the ‘Big Sisters’.  These Mentors are trained off-site with an introduction to counselling skills.  Peer Mentors are themselves supported by the pastoral staff, who assist them to perform their roles with confidence.  Many pupils commented that they liked having Peer Mentors in the School.  Within this caring environment pupils come to realise that they should take responsibility for regulating their own lives and behaviour.

"The School has a clear Anti-bullying Policy on display throughout the school, and pupils are confident that bullying is not tolerated by staff, while victims will be treated with respect.  

"The school goes to great length to ensure the safety, health and welfare of its pupils.  Levels of supervision are high at breaks, lunchtime and at the start and end of each day, with caretaking staff joining teaching staff to ensure everybody’s safety." 

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report 2007

The School Mission Statement states that fulfilment comes through the recognition and nurturing of the individual by:
•    Emphasising personal, moral and spiritual development, based on Gospel values
•    Striving for personal academic excellence
•    Providing wide-ranging opportunities
•    Fostering a strong relationship between family and school

The Pastoral Care System within Notre Dame Senior School is the building block upon which the learning and growth of the individual takes place.