Wellbeing and Pastoral Support
At Roade school, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We want every student to feel known, valued, safe and supported so that they can thrive both academically and personally.
Our March 2025 Ofsted report recognised the strength of this work:
“There is a positive and inclusive culture built on strong relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils feel safe and cared for. They value the strong pastoral support that the school provides. This includes personalised support for pupils with mental health needs, provided by expert staff.”
Our Pastoral Support
Every student is part of a tutor group and is welcomed each day by their Form Tutor. Form Tutors play a vital “Professional Parent” style role within school: they get to know students well, notice when something may not be quite right, celebrate successes, and act as a trusted first point of contact for students and families.
Students are also supported by a wider pastoral network, including:
- Heads of Year
- Pastoral Leads for each year group
- The Ethos Team
- Safeguarding and inclusion staff
- Trusted peers and student leaders
Together, this means that students have many adults and peers they can speak to if they need advice, reassurance, friendship, or more specialist support.
The Ethos Team
We work closely with the Grace Foundation, whose Ethos Teams are embedded in our school to support students’ wellbeing, character development and relationships. Grace Foundation describes its work as supporting students holistically, helping to enhance student wellbeing and improve outcomes through a bespoke Ethos Programme.
Our school Ethos Team includes specialist staff who work with students and families to support emotional, relational, spiritual and aspirational needs. The Ethos Team delivers a range of support including small-group programmes, 1:1 mentoring, enrichment activities, family support and wellbeing interventions.
You can find out more about the Grace Foundation here:
https://www.grace-foundation.org.uk
The Ethos Area
Our Ethos Room
Our Ethos Area is a welcoming and supportive space where students can go before school, at break and at lunchtime. It offers students a place to:
- Talk to a trusted adult
- Join friendship groups
- Access emotional support
- Spend time in a calm and safe environment
- Build confidence and positive relationships
- Receive help if they are finding the school day difficult
The Ethos Team helps students feel connected and supported, particularly during unstructured times of the day.
Targeted Wellbeing Support
We recognise that every student’s needs are different. Some students may need short-term support during a difficult period, while others may benefit from more regular or personalised help.
As a school, we offer:
- Small-group wellbeing programmes
- 1:1 pastoral and emotional support
- Support with friendships and relationships
- Confidence, resilience and self-esteem work
- Family support
- Referrals and links with external agencies where appropriate
- Support for students experiencing anxiety, low mood, bereavement, family difficulties or other challenges
Where needed, we work alongside external professionals and local services to make sure students and families can access the right support at the right time.
Support for Students and Families
If a student is worried about themselves or someone else, we encourage them to speak to a trusted adult in school. This could be their Form Tutor, Head of Year, Pastoral Lead, Ethos Team member, a teacher, or any member of staff they feel comfortable with.
Families can also contact the school if they are concerned about their child’s wellbeing. We will listen, offer support, and help identify the most appropriate next steps. We ask that you contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance or
Local and National Wellbeing Support
There are a range of providers that can provide you or your child with support regarding a range of different issues, worries or concerns. We have provided some signposts below to these networks at both a
Local Support
- Northamptonshire Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services / CAMHS
CAMHS supports children and young people up to the age of 18 in Northamptonshire with emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties. The service offers individual and group interventions and works with families across the county.
Website: https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/cypmentalhealth - CAMHS Live and crisis support
Northamptonshire CAMHS offers online advice and guidance through CAMHS Live. The CAMHS crisis team is available 24/7 for young people in crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide, via 0800 170 7055, selecting the relevant options.
Website: CAMHS in the Community | NHFT - The Lowdown
The Lowdown provides mental health and wellbeing support for young people, including counselling, drop-ins and support groups. West Northamptonshire Council lists The Lowdown as offering support for young people aged 8–25 in relevant Northamptonshire postcode areas.
Website: https://www.thelowdown.info
National Support
- Childline
Free, confidential support for anyone under 19. Call 0800 1111 any time.
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk - YoungMinds
Advice and information for young people, parents and carers about mental health and wellbeing. YoungMinds also signposts to Shout for 24/7 text support.
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ - Samaritans
Free, confidential listening support 24 hours a day. Call 116 123.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org - Shout
Free, confidential 24/7 text support in the UK. Text SHOUT to 85258. - Papyrus HOPELINEUK
Support for young people experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone worried about a young person. Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
