Pastoral Care

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report 2011:

"The pupils’ personal development is excellent, with pupils often showing maturity beyond their years in the way that they look after each other and any visitors. Relationships within the school are very positive, and all adults are excellent role models. Safeguarding the welfare of the pupils is of paramount concern to every member of staff. All requisite procedures and policies are in place, and staff are trained appropriately.

The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent, fully reflecting the aims of the school to remain a flourishing community for families and to be a welcoming, caring place where there is trust and where relationships are developed. Pupils were seen to be self-assured, to have high self-esteem and to feel recognised and valued by each other and by adults. They have learnt to accept responsibility for their behaviour, to show initiative and to understand how they can contribute to community life. The programme for personal, social and health education (PSHE), known in the school as ‘Life Skills’, encapsulates the school’s Christian values and ethos. PSHE is not confined to the weekly lessons, but is reinforced by assemblies in the school hall and services in chapel. The school’s procedures for promoting good behaviour and guarding against harassment and bullying are highly effective, and straightforward procedures are in place to deal constructively with the very rare occasions when unacceptable behaviour occurs. Pupils said that bullying was virtually non-existent."

At DCPS the house system is at the heart of the excellent pastoral care for which the school is renowned. Children are either a member of a boarding or day house.

Parents and guardians would expect to get to know the Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM) well and to be able to contact them with any concerns or queries they may have. The HsM acts as the first point of contact and liaison between home and school and oversees the academic, co-curricular, social and pastoral well-being of the individual child, assisted by House Tutors. In the event of any query or concern, the HsM may be readily contacted by telephone either at home or at school, or at the beginning or end of the school day.

Pastoral care is not wholly confined to the House as all members of the teaching community take a pastoral interest in those with whom they have contact. For example, a music scholar may well find they have a particularly close relationship with the Director of Music or a keen rugby player may bond well with the Master in Charge of Rugby. Within the extended community there is the Chaplain and the Prep School Chaplain's Assistant , the Matrons, the School Secretaries, the qualified nurses at the school Health Centre, the School Prefects, a School Counsellor and many more.

Military Liaison Officer

We have a Prep School Military Liaison Officer who is able to meet with military families when they visit and who is aware of individual children’s unusual family circumstances, for instance when a parent is deployed. This post was created at the behest of military families to help support their children, many of whom face great uncertainty in their lives.