Pastoral Care Policy
Sherborne Qatar's Pastoral Care policy is based on that of Sherborne Preparatory School, Dorset, UK and shares the same expectations of its staff in safeguarding the pupils. Obviously there are minor differences in terms of the local agencies with whom we coordinate this policy, but the principles remain the same. The Headmaster is the Child Protection Officer and the Deputy Headmaster oversees the implementation of the policy in the School's daily affairs. The main policy document contains sections on the following issues:
- Pastoral Support plan which includes weekly meetings of senior managers who report any pupils causing concern
- Child Protection policy which refers to the ill-treatment or neglect of a child which causes injury, suffering or distress
- Safeguarding policy to ensure that the risks of harm to children's welfare are minimised
- Child Complaints procedure where pupils may present their personal concerns
- Parents Complaints procedure (as for pupils)
- Peer Support and Buddy System to ensure pupils feel welcome
- Physical Restraint policy to ensure all pupils are safe from harm
- Missing Persons policy to ensure we know the whereabouts of all pupils at all times
Antisocial Behaviour
The most common issue for children everywhere is that of antisocial behaviour. They may sometimes use the term "bullying". Antisocial behaviour take many forms...
- Physical - when someone is hurt
- Verbal - when someone is teased or unkind things are said
- Exclusion - when someone is deliberately left out, without cause.
- Cyber bullying - incorrect use of internet or mobile phones
At Sherborne Qatar we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. Our pupils will be taught the following approaches...
Who can you tell?
- Reporting bullying is not sneaking, so report if it you are being "bullied" or know of someone else who is being "bullied".
- First tell your form teacher, parents, or anyone else you feel you can trust.
- A member of staff must be told at some point so why not tell them straight away? What will happen? 1. We will listen to you. 2. Your teacher will talk to you to find out exactly what is happening. 3. They will then talk to the other person to find out their side of the story.
- If possible they will try to get you together to sort out the problem.
- They will make sure that the problem does not continue. You must tell them if it happens again.
What will not happen?
- It will not get worse so don't let anyone threaten you and tell you not to "sneak".
- You will not be left alone to handle it for yourself - we will help you.
The No Blame Approach:
The Seven Step Programme In the event of an issue occurring regularly, the following procedure will be used...
- The teacher talks to the victim about their feelings and to find out who was involved. The incidents do not need to be detailed. Very young children may be asked to write a poem or draw a picture.
- The teacher meets with the group of pupils who were involved including onlookers.
- The teacher explains the victim's feelings and the problem.
- Again, without allocating blame, the teacher asks for the group's help in improving the situation.
- The teacher encourages each member of the group to suggest how the victim could be helped to feel happier. The ideas are positively received from the teacher but no commitments are made.
- The teacher suggests they try out their ideas to see what improvements can be made.
- A week later, the teacher organises another meeting to see how things are progressing.
