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Oreston Community Academy

Oreston Community Academy

Pastoral Care at Oreston: Fostering Social and Emotional Well-being

At Oreston, we are committed to fostering a state of positive social and emotional well-being, alongside good mental health, for everyone who learns and works within our school community. We achieve this through the meticulous pastoral care of each individual.

Our goal is to cultivate:

  • Optimism
  • Confidence
  • Happiness
  • Clarity
  • Vitality
  • Self-worth
  • Achievement
  • Meaning & Purpose
  • Engagement
  • Supportive Relationships
  • Self-understanding

For Children: In the Classroom

Our guiding principles at Oreston are rooted in the belief that each member of our community should be nurtured in a manner that is supportive, warm, respectful, and responsive.

Children are always treated with respect.

Staff are cognizant of and sensitive to the emotional needs of pupils.

Vulnerable children are promptly identified, closely monitored, and given tailored support.

We celebrate the unique contributions made by every child.

Emotional literacy is embedded in our PSHE curriculum, empowering children to articulate their feelings.

Beyond the Classroom

Our teachers are dedicated to the emotional well-being of their pupils.

Oreston boasts a team of specially trained staff available to provide additional support.

Our pastoral care lead, Mrs Susanne Parker, collaborates with parents to secure the best outcomes for each child.

We offer a range of support groups, including those focused on bereavement, young carers, and MKC Heroes for service children.

Our intervention toolbox includes individual and group therapy, Lego therapy, and targeted interventions like Anxiety Gremlin, The Red Beast, and Bucket Full of Worries. Family therapies are also available.

We work closely with external agencies such as MAST, CIT, CAMHS, CDC, and charities like Jeremiah’s Journey, tailoring the support to each child’s unique needs.

Family: A Holistic Approach

We are steadfast in our belief in a holistic approach to education. We work in collaboration with:

  • Parents and extended families
  • Local organisations,including MAST and Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS)
  • Parenting programmes such as Strengthening Families and Incredible Years

Useful Websites

Jeremiah's Journey (For support with bereavement) - https://jeremiahsjourney.org.uk/

Plymouth Information and Advice for SEND (For advice and support for SEN and parenting programmes) - https://www.plymouthias.org.uk/

Plymouth Online Directory (For a comprehensive list of services available to children and families in Plymouth) - https://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/

The Zone Plymouth (For support with issues such as domestic abuse, housing, debt, substance misuse, and mental health) - https://www.thezoneplymouth.co.uk/