Well-Being

Children need to feel happy and secure in order to thrive at school, which is why we give pastoral care a high priority. King’s renowned pastoral care system has an inbuilt advantage – our small class sizes mean that class teachers can get to know their pupils as individuals. This insight allows teachers to detect any emotional difficulties at an early stage and take supportive action to resolve them – often in partnership with parents.

Class teachers take day-to-day responsibility for pastoral care, with the Deputy Head overseeing the whole care system. However, all staff work as a team and meet regularly to discuss any concerns they may have about individual pupils.

In addition, our Welfare Officer, Mrs Tyer, together with our highly-trained Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Mrs Berry, not only take care of first aid and illness but are also mindful of any underlying problems. We work hard to ensure that children know there are always adults they can turn to if something is worrying them.

A sound moral ethos underpins our school’s happy atmosphere. Good behaviour is expected and we emphasise traditional values of respect for others, good manners and humility. Our House system also plays an important part, fostering responsibility, community spirit and a sense of belonging.

Our pastoral team

Mrs Berry

Hello, I’m Mrs Berry. I’m a linguist and speak French, German and a bit of Swedish! I’ve always loved words, typography and books, so supporting children with literacy (and others areas, too) is my perfect job. I am a qualified SENCo and am passionate about helping children to progress and to be comfortable with who they are. Everyone has a superpower – mine is baking, what’s yours? I used to have a cake making business. My best ever cake was a very realistic, but super-sized, tin of baked beans! In school, you’ll find me sharing books, running reading groups and arranging theatre trips, or taking small groups of children to a local café to celebrate the skills they’ve learnt. A highlight of my week is Clever Hands Club, where we play games and make things to practise our motor skills. I have also taught in the Senior School so lots of the older children come and volunteer to be buddies in the Junior School, helping with spelling, reading or Maths. I love being part of King’s, where every day is special. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and once bumped into the real Dumbledore when I lived in Surrey!