Introduction

In our big and busy school we aim to care deeply about each individual girl. The provision of pastoral care is designed to help girls make decisions about themselves and to care about others within the framework of a very diverse community. We provide an outstanding range of opportunities for the girls' personal development and to help them consolidate a system of spiritual beliefs and a moral code. The welfare of the girls is of paramount importance to us and it is the responsibility of all members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, to safeguard and promote it.

From the moment she becomes a Habs' girl we emphasise the partnership with parents; hand-in-hand we can support each girl, operating on a basis of trust and with the support of faces she knows from the start. Pupils are carefully allocated to form groups depending on where they live, so that they will have friends nearby. The form tutors and form prefects play a key role in the girls' welfare. Each form becomes a family unit consisting of the tutor, a deputy, two sixth form prefects and two elected form captains from within the form itself. Much emphasis is placed upon their responsibility for the ethos and happiness of the form. Strong peer support also comes from the girls in the year and from older girls in year 10 and the sixth form, as well as through the Student Support scheme.

We have a full time nurse and a trained counsellor to meet the needs of individual girls. The school behaviour code is displayed in all the form rooms alongside the anti-bullying policy. This policy was reviewed recently by the pupils and ensures that rare instances of bullying are dealt with swiftly according to widely known and accepted procedures. The premise is that everyone has the right to feel comfortable, at ease and happy both in school and travelling to and from school. The coach service provides additional support and reassurance and the sixth form coach stewards keep a watchful eye.

We have comprehensive pastoral, tutorial and guidance systems, which support the educational and personal development of the girls. PSHE is taught through a programme which is reviewed annually to ensure that it provides the best possible support to the girls. The programme is enhanced by visiting speakers who address girls and parents on issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, self- esteem and internet safety. The Deputy Head (Pastoral), Section Heads, form tutors, Head of Individual Needs, nurse, counsellor and subject staff work closely together so that the needs of the pupils, whether academic, social or pastoral, are speedily evaluated and appropriate measures taken.