Parents

Support for Pupils (Parent Guide)
We understand that there are times in all pupils’ lives when things go wrong and your child may find that they need a bit of extra support. We have lots of adults at school who are here to help your child whenever they need us.

Pupil Services

This is open all day every day to support pupils with practical problems like forgotten kits, putting lunch money on the cashless dining system etc. If your child is not sure where to go for help with something, Pupil Services is their first point of call. If they cannot help then they will direct your child to the right member of staff.

Pastoral Team

We have pastoral staff at school to offer emotional support to all pupils. As well as one to one sessions we also run small groups to deal with issues such as bereavement, emotional management, stress and anxiety. Your child can access support from the pastoral team by either asking their Form Tutor to refer them or just calling in to see one of us at break or lunchtime any day.

Learning Support Unit

The Learning Support Unit provides pupils who require academic or emotional support in a quiet welcoming environment. Pupils who require extra support may access the unit at any time during the school day with permission. The LSU is also used as an extra support for pupils who require extra intervention in any subject. A love for classical music helps! We also offer a drop in at lunchtime for pupils who do not like being out in the busy school yard. Referrals to the LSU during lessons usually come from another member of staff who feels your child may benefit from this support but they can also self-refer to the drop in at lunch by going along to see the LSU manager at break or lunch.

Chaplaincy

Spiritual life of the school plays a very important role and provides pupils with many liturgical and informal opportunities in the context of Chaplaincy. Every week, pupils have an opportunity to participate in the Eucharist. There is also an active group animated by the pupils – The Bosco Group. The members contribute in a variety of different ways to the spiritual and pastoral life of the school – animating the Masses through music, drama and altar service, leading the prayers in the morning form time, contributing to the school assemblies. To help pupils grow and develop spiritually, the chaplaincy department organises also a series of the one-day-retreats. All pupils are given an opportunity to participate in a programme aimed at their specific year group. The school also provides pilgrimages, trips and holidays, which helps pupils to integrate, relax and find inspiration in various ways, following the Salesian spirit of Saint John Bosco

School Nurse

Our school nurse is Lisa Caesar. School nurses are registered nurses who specialise in working with school aged pupils and work across education and health, providing a link between school, home and the community. Her main aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils. She can offer support around many issues such as physical health advice (i.e. health conditions, vaccinations, exercise etc.), support with mental/emotional health, support with smoking, support with alcohol/drugs, diet and nutrition, sexual health, and relationships… amongst other things! As your child’s school nurse, Lisa is also involved in vaccination sessions within school along with public health teaching sessions during PSHE. Every week, she holds a drop-in clinic in school where anybody is free to drop in without an appointment to see Lisa about any particular issue.

Safer Schools Police Officer

The role of our Safer Schools’ Police Officer is to assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for pupils to learn in, ensuring there is a visible and approachable presence in school. She supports school staff to identify and support where necessary challenging pupils involved in or at risk of offending. She works with schools and partner agencies in order to keep young people safe, reduce crime and their fear of crime and improve behaviour in school by working with young people and their families. She will use restorative approaches to challenge and change behaviour of young people and resolve conflict. Pupils can speak with PC Rebecca about any issues they may have whether it be family, friendship or criminal concerns and she will offer support and guidance where necessary.

Useful Websites and Links

We understand that talking about your worries about your child is not always easy and taking that first step is often the hardest. So, we have included some links to places you can go to online for support 24/7.

Childline
Thinkuknow
Bullybusters
Young minds
Cyber mentors
Nspcc
b-eat
Getsafeonline

Hugh Baird College Parents/Guardians Support Their Children/Dependent In Maths/English GCSES & SATs Part Time Course - January 2023

Young Minds Parents Guide For Money & Mental Health - November 2022

Orrell Trust After School Club - September 2022

Orrell Arts Cafe Flyer - March 2022

Orrell Arts Cafe Flyer - February 2022

ThinkUKnow - Parents Guide To Being Social Online - December 2020

#OnlineSafetyAtHome - ThinkUKnow eSafety Advice & Resources - June 2020