Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
PUPIL WELLBEING AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to life at Thomas’s Clapham. When pupils feel safe, supported and happy, they flourish. Our staff work closely together to ensure every child is known as an individual and feels a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Wellbeing at Thomas’s
Wellbeing is our number one priority at Thomas’s Clapham and every member of staff shares responsibility for pastoral care. We create a school environment where pupils feel safe, listened to and supported in all aspects of school life.
Our wellbeing structure ensures that every child receives the care they need. The Deputy Head – Wellbeing and Health works closely with Area Leads, Year Leaders, Form Teachers and Learning Assistants to support pupils across the school.
Together, these teams ensure that every pupil is seen, heard and known. By understanding each child as an individual, we help our pupils develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
A Culture of Belonging
Strong relationships are at the centre of our approach to wellbeing. We regularly review wellbeing through pupil voice and wellbeing check-ins. Tools such as pupil attitude surveys and weekly wellbeing discussions help staff understand how pupils are feeling and ensure support is available when needed.
However, wellbeing is not just about systems and data. It is built through everyday interactions between pupils and staff.
Our aim is simple: every child should feel known, valued and supported throughout their time at Thomas’s Clapham.
Our Positive Behaviour Approach
Our wellbeing culture is supported by four clear school expectations that guide how our community learns and lives together. These expectations are simple and understood by everyone in the school.
Be Safe
Pupils learn to move safely around school and behave responsibly both in person and online.
Be Kind
Kindness, respect and honesty are central to our community. Pupils are encouraged to care for each other and stand up for others.
Be Calm
We promote a thoughtful and respectful learning environment where pupils listen and reflect.
Be Ready
Pupils are supported to arrive prepared to learn, with the right attitude, equipment and pride in their work.
These shared expectations support a positive and relational approach to behaviour across the school.
Wellbeing Through the Curriculum
Wellbeing is embedded across school life and within our curriculum.
Our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme helps pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy, safe and confident. Lessons explore important themes such as health and wellbeing, relationships and understanding the wider world.
Pupils also have many opportunities to develop leadership skills and have their voices heard. These include roles within the School Council, Green Unicorns (Climate and Sustainability Group), Digital Leaders and the Be Kind Committee.
In Year 8, pupils also take on senior leadership roles as Heads of School, Assistant Heads, House Captains and Prefects, helping to shape school life and support younger pupils.
By giving pupils responsibility and encouraging positive leadership, we help them grow into thoughtful, engaged members of our school community.
Questions and Answers
Thomas’s Clapham uses a range of wellbeing programmes that help pupils develop emotional awareness, resilience and self-regulation.
Activities may include mindfulness, wellbeing assemblies, Zones of Regulation, PSHE lessons, celebration weeks such as Children’s Mental Health Week and opportunities for reflection during form time.
Pupils can speak to their Form Teacher, Year Leader or another trusted member of staff. We also further provide support through trained pastoral staff, our school nurse, our school counsellor and ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) when appropriate.
Support is always tailored to the needs of each individual pupil.
We work closely with families to support pupil wellbeing. Parents also have access to The Wellbeing Hub, an online platform offering expert advice, parenting resources and webinars on a wide range of topics related to children’s wellbeing.
The platform includes articles, podcasts, parenting courses and live Q and A sessions with specialists.
The values instilled in pupils from early on – the focus on kindness is brilliant. My son feels extremely well supported in his learning and has repeatedly said how much he loves school and is learning new things all the time!
– Thomas’s Clapham Parent
