PASTORAL SUPPORT TEAM

Boston High School is part of a small group of secondary schools in Lincolnshire who are taking part in a national project known as SEAL. SEAL aims to raise students, parents and staff’s awareness of the importance of emotional health and wellbeing.

1. The project has grown from very simple beliefs
2. When students and staff feel good about themselves they perform better
3. A positive sense of well-being can result in higher levels of tolerance, enthusiasm, energy and interest.
4. Lower levels of stress tend to lead to better learning outcomes, improved attendance and more positive behaviour.

One service which the school offers to support students is through referral to the Pastoral Support Team – a small team of people who are trained to offer extra support to students. Referrals can be made to this team by members of staff, by parents in discussion with Mrs Sumner (Assistant Principal Learners) and in some cases students can self refer.

Some of the most common reasons for referrals are:

1. Family problems
2. Anxiety
3. Stress
4. Bereavement
5. Loss
6. Abuse
7. Peer Relationship difficulties
8. Bullying

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Is it confidential?

Yes – with an important exception. What you have talked about in the session will not be repeated unless you give your permission. However if it is thought that you are in danger in some way e.g. someone is harming you or what you are doing is harming yourself or other people then the team member has a duty to share this information with others. You will always be spoken to first so that you know what is going to happen. Of course you are always free to talk about your session to anyone if you want.

How can I get an appointment?

You will need to speak to your Learning Leader or to one of the Senior Teachers in school.

Do I need my parent/carers permission to come?

Each case is different and you can talk about this with the teacher you approach to ask for a referral.

Will my parent/carer or teachers talk to the person I see?

Sometimes parents and teachers may want to share their points of view about a situation. However the person you see will always respect your confidentiality and will not reveal any details of your sessions together.

What happens in the session?

The person you see will normally begin the session by getting to know you better; finding out the sorts of things you are interested in and the things you enjoy doing. He or she will ask you about the changes and differences you want to make in your life. The service is not about giving you advice or telling you what to do, but it is about helping you to find your own strengths and abilities which will enable you to reach your goals, whatever they may be.

How long are the sessions and where will they be?

The length of the sessions depends to some degree on what your individual worry or concern is and will take place in a room in school.

How long will I need to come for and how often?

This will depend on you. Some students feel that one or two sessions are enough to begin to make changes, whilst others will have many. Some come weekly, others once a fortnight. You can discuss what you need with the person you see. You will know when you are ready to stop because you will have reached the goals you set for yourself.

Remember that it is always your choice.

No one can force you to attend and if you decide that it is not useful to you then your decision will be respected.