Positive Discipline

In September 2015 we introduced Positive Discipline to further improve behaviour at Headlands School.
Positive Discipline is centred on three very simple concepts:
• that all young people enjoy being effectively rewarded for their effort
• that most young people need clear guidelines in terms of what constitutes acceptable behaviour
• that effective communication between teachers, parents/carers and students is essential for effective schools

At Headlands School, we are deeply committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for all our students. Our pastoral care system is designed to ensure that every student feels valued, safe, and supported throughout their time at our school. We believe that a strong pastoral framework is essential to the overall well-being and academic success of our students.

What is Pastoral Care?

Pastoral care refers to the holistic approach we take in supporting the emotional, social, and academic development of our students. It encompasses everything we do to create a positive and caring school community where every student can thrive.

Key Elements of Our Pastoral Care

1. Dedicated Pastoral Team

Our experienced pastoral team is at the heart of our care system. Each student is assigned a form tutor who is their first point of contact for any concerns, providing daily support and guidance. Each year group is supported by a dedicated non-teaching Year Leader who works closely with students, parents, staff, and external support agencies to address any concerns or challenges that may arise. These Year Leaders are further guided by Pastoral Managers, who oversee the pastoral care across their respective Key Stages, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive support system for all students.

2. Student Services

Students have continuous access to support from the Student Services team, led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This team offers assistance with a wide range of needs, from uniform concerns and first aid to crisis support, ensuring that help is always available when students need it most.

3. Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Mental health is a priority at Headlands School. We offer a range of mental health resources, including access to counselling services, the SMASH programme, and peer mentoring support from the Student Leaders. Our staff are trained to identify and support students experiencing difficulties, ensuring they receive the help they need.

4. Safe and Inclusive Environment

We strive to create a school environment where every student feels safe and respected. Our anti-bullying policies are strictly enforced, and we promote inclusivity through various initiatives that celebrate diversity and encourage respect for all.

5. Engagement with the Senior Leadership Team

Student voices are valued and heard at the highest level. We encourage students to share their concerns with staff, raise issues through their Student Council representative, and provide feedback directly. Additionally, every student has the opportunity to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) each term when they receive their report, ensuring their perspectives are considered in school decision-making.

For more information on our pastoral care services, please contact our Pastoral Team through the relevant Year Leader link.

At Headlands, our goal is to ensure that every student is happy, safe, and successful, leaving us as caring young adults equipped with the skills needed to make a positive impact in society.

Our students actively contribute to the school and wider community through Tutor Group activities, participation in the Student Council, voluntary service, charity campaigns, and leading assemblies. Beginning in 2021, our students also have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, fostering resilience and leadership, and several expeditions have now successfully taken place. We have a strong expectation of participation in extra-curricular activities, and our well-developed careers programme supports students in planning their future pathways.

We believe every student has a significant role to play at Headlands, and we encourage them to focus on their own growth while being mindful of the needs of others. Teamwork and collaboration are central to our approach to personal development.

To further enhance these qualities, we actively promote British values such as democracy, mutual respect, and tolerance. Our comprehensive PSHE programme, along with various subjects across the curriculum, embeds these values in daily school life. We also encourage respect for democratic processes by mirroring national elections within the school, giving students first-hand experience of participating in a democratic society.

Positive Discipline and Relational Practice

At Headlands School, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment through our Positive Discipline and Relational Practice approaches.

Positive Discipline

Our Positive Discipline strategy focuses on:

• Rewarding Effort: We believe in recognising and celebrating students’ efforts, understanding that all students thrive when their achievements are acknowledged.

• Clear Behaviour Guidelines: We establish clear expectations for behaviour, ensuring that students understand the guidelines and the consequences of their actions.

• Effective Communication: Strong communication between teachers, parents/carers, and students is key to maintaining a positive and productive school environment.

Relational Practice

We are committed to cultivating a positive and inclusive learning environment through relational practice, which emphasises:

1. Mutual Respect: We promote respect among students, staff, and self-respect, fostering a community where everyone is valued.

2. Effective Communication: We encourage open, transparent communication and constructive conflict resolution, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

3. Positive Role Modelling: Our staff and student leaders serve as role models, demonstrating positive behaviour and setting the standard for others to follow.

4. Inclusivity: We strive to create a welcoming environment where all students feel valued, accepted, and included in the school community.

Together, these approaches support a nurturing and respectful atmosphere that allows every student to thrive both academically and personally.