1230 SHHS Add Info 2010-11 2.indd - South Hampstead High School

6Pastoral careThe happiness and wellbeing of each girl are at thecentre of all we do. Dedicated teachers work togetherto ensure each individual is happy, develops confidenceand self-esteem, as well as tolerance and respectfor others.We provide a safe and supportive environment wheregirls can learn from their mistakes and celebrate theirsuccesses. The Junior School is a nurturing place wheregirls are encouraged and rewarded with ‘positive praise’.As girls get older, they take more responsibility for theirown learning and development. In the Senior School,form tutors meet with each girl regularly to discussacademic progress and personal issues. The qualityof the relationships between the staff and pupils issomething we are particularly proud of and helps tocreate the friendly and sociable atmosphere that wehave here at South Hampstead.The School has an LDC co-ordinator for girls withlearning difficulties. The co-ordinator liaises regularlywith staff to ensure each girl has the support she needsto succeed.Peer support is developed and encouraged throughoutthe School with networks such as the Big Sister schemeat the Junior School, the House System in the SeniorSchool and School Council.In addition, each year group tackles a number ofissues appropriate to their age in weekly PSHElessons and assemblies.The School has a full time nurse and a counsellor.7Relationships with parentsWe believe that education works best when home andschool work together. Strong relationships with parentsare important to us and they play a vital part in eachgirl’s journey through the School.We keep parents up to date with school informationand their daughter’s progress through regular reports,one-to-one parents’ evenings, termly mailings and ouronline Parents Portal. The Junior School produces aweekly newsletter. Girls in the Senior School producean annual magazine. We also enjoy getting to know eachfamily through social gatherings, such as concerts, playsand sporting events. Parents are welcome to contactus at any time.We receive generous support from our parentassociations, the PTA in the Junior School and theFriends of South Hampstead (FOSH) in the SeniorSchool. Not only do these groups raise funds for theSchool but they also provide a valuable social networkfor parents bringing up daughters in London.Policies and proceduresEvery new family is given a Parents’ Handbook atthe start of the first term. This includes our policieson Anti-bullying, Exclusions, Safeguarding and ourComplaints Procedure. Copies of these policies areavailable on our website or upon request at any time.Help finding the right schoolFinding the right school for your daughter is one of themost difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make. We’reproud to support the Girls’ Schools Association(GSA) and their website, mydaughter.co.uk. It’s a websitededicated to raising girls and provides comprehensivesupport and independent advice to parents searchingfor the right school.