"School is about people and the people at Pennthorpe really care about all of the children."Mr & Mrs M, Parents
A Team of Super Fans
Champion
Each child has a staff champion, who vigorously supports them, helps them to be unforgettable, and to be the best version of themselves!
Tutor
A Tutor acts as a coach to provide children in their Tutor Group with individualised support and challenge, and help with any day-to-day worries
Guardian
A Wellbeing Guardian is available for children needing a more focused boost to their wellbeing or mental health
Buddies
A buddy system of peer support enables each pupil to benefit from the experience of others, as well as share emotional support and knowledge of their own.
A Personal Champion
Being held in mind by someone throughout the day is incredibly powerful and we fiercely believe that all children should know that there is always someone who is fighting their corner, singing their praises and making time for them if they need help.
To this end, all of the pupils in our Prep School are supported by a personal Champion, who meets with them regularly on a one to one basis, to provide counsel and guidance.
"I love my Champion sessions because my teacher really cares about how I am feeling and I can talk about my problems."Year 5 pupil and future Astronomer or Astrologer!
Tutors & Tutor Groups
All children in the school are allocated to a Tutor Group and have a Tutor who manages their daily pastoral care. The Tutor makes sure every child is set up well for the day; they deliver the PSHEE, RSE and Wellbeing programmes and they are a friendly, supportive adult who the children can rely upon and talk to about anything and everything.
“It’s more than just being the face in the morning to say ‘Are you present?’. My goal as a Tutor is to build a cohesive unit in which all children feel comfortable and can achieve, regardless of their performance in other lessons. When you do it right, your Tutor Group feels like an extended family”Dave McConnell, Tutor at Pennthorpe
Wellbeing Guardian
For those pupils who may benefit from more formal wellbeing and mental health support, we have our Wellbeing Guardian. Our Wellbeing Guardian specialises in children’s mental health and counselling. Children may be referred to the Wellbeing Guardian by their Champion or Tutor, and our older pupils are able to attend a weekly drop-in clinic if they would like additional support. The Wellbeing Guardian also oversees our Pupil Wellbeing Ambassadors and holds regular training sessions with them so they are well equipped to offer wellbeing support to other pupils.
“Wellbeing is a real priority at Pennthorpe. I’ve recently trained to be a pupil wellbeing ambassador, so now I can help other pupils who need it.”Year 7 pupil, brilliant all-rounder and future campaigner
Mentors & Buddies
We recognise that there are times when children are best placed to support and guide each other. We have a well-established mentoring and buddy system at Pennthorpe that provides peer support for pupils who would benefit. Buddies are brilliant at helping new pupils settle into the school and being a much valued friend if they feel a little lost. Mentors will often be our older pupils supporting younger children who would benefit from their experience and guidance.
Angels & Mortals
Our staff ‘Angels & Mortals’ scheme is founded upon the principle that kindness can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life, and is a gift that we can all give. Staff take part by anonymously bringing blessings to their colleagues. The scheme helps to foster better connection amongst colleagues, and a happy working environment.
“Our Angels & Mortals scheme has really opened my eyes to the power of kindness, and the joys of both giving and receiving it. As an Angel, it’s not about giving anything of material value, but rather treating someone well and helping to take care of them.”Lisa Freeman, Assistant Bursar at Pennthorpe
The Impact
of new pupils assigned 2 buddies to provide peer to peer support
of children who feel the mentoring sessions available have been useful
of children reporting their coaching sessions have helped them to develop personally
of staff feel that there is someone at school who cares about their welfare
