At Ashford School we aim to create a supportive environment where the wellbeing of the child is paramount.
We believe that happiness breeds success, and therefore we are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils feel safe, cared for and happy. We listen, we notice and we communicate.
We have a robust pastoral structure to ensure that every child feels fully supported and knows where to turn.
Each child belongs to a form, which is looked after by a form tutor and is made up of students within their year. Form Tutors have a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the ethos, style and high expectations of the School and in communicating these to the students in their care. They are key members of the staff team within the Year group structure and, as the person with the most regular contact with their tutor group (twice daily), tutors use their tutee contact time to develop full knowledge of each of their tutees.
The form tutor is the main point of contact for parents, guardians and pupils, and all contact details are provided to parents at the beginning of each academic year.
As from September 2022, the pastoral structure of the School changed. We moved away from the traditional House system and have adopted the Year group system instead. We have our pupils’ best interests at heart when making this decision and the rationale for this new approach is as follows:
The current Heads of Year are:
The Assistant Heads oversee issues relating to whole year groups, such as academic tracking, GCSE and A-Level options and cross-Year pastoral matters. They are also members of the Safeguarding Team.
The current Assistant Heads are:
The Senior Deputy Head is responsible for the overall wellbeing and safeguarding of the whole school.
A former pupil, Nicky Timms returned to Ashford School in 2007 to teach Maths. Since then, she has progressed through the School, reaching Deputy Head Pastoral in September 2016, and Senior Deputy Head in 2021. Along the way, she has experienced various roles within leadership including Director of Co-Curricular Activities, Director of Years 9-11 and Assistant House Parent, thoroughly enjoying the challenges posed by each new role.
Being Senior Deputy Head has further strengthened Nicky’s belief in, and appreciation of, the huge team effort that goes into supporting every child at Ashford School.
Our Health and Wellbeing Centre offers a holistic approach to the physical, psychological and spiritual health and wellbeing of every child at Ashford School. It is based at the top of the School campus and is open to pupils every day between 08:00 and 17:00, plus a nurse is on-call overnight.
The School is fortunate enough to have access to the expertise of four nurses, a School Doctor and our Wellbeing Team. There are two rooms within the Health and Wellbeing Centre available for students who are too unwell to attend lessons, as well as 2 treatment rooms. There is also the Rainbow Room which is used for time out, support work, meetings and drop in sessions; the Wellbeing studio which is used for yoga and mindfulness sessions; and 2 counselling rooms. Within the centre there is also the Reflection room where the School Chaplain can be found.
The Wellbeing Team is based in the Health and Wellbeing Centre. The Wellbeing space offers 2 counselling rooms and a large mindfulness studio, as well as having access to the Rainbow Room.
Spiritual Wellbeing for all
Chaplaincy forms an integral part of the commitment of Ashford School to the wellbeing of everyone. The Chaplain is available for pupils, staff and parents and is non-judgmental. As well as being a listening ear for all, he is able to provide specialised support for those who practice a religious faith, whether Christian or not. The Chaplain has an office and a reflection room within the Health and Wellbeing Centre and is an integral part of the Health and Wellbeing Team.
Whilst many people would not necessarily describe themselves as religious, others do have a faith or spirituality of some kind. The Chaplain is available to listen, care and support anyone seeking help. Most of us, at one time or another, have to face searching questions and make difficult decisions; at times like these it can be reassuring to know that the Chaplain is ready to offer support.
Exploring and Deepening Faith
If you are exploring faith or spirituality, there are opportunities to learn in a relaxed and enjoyable way. You are always welcome to join in or to ask questions that concern you. For pupils interested in exploring baptism or confirmation, a preparation can be offered during the academic year. Please contact the Chaplain for further details.
In addition to leading Chaplain’s assemblies in both schools, an open time is held every Friday in the Senior School between 13.15 and 13.45 for discussing faith and spirituality. Those who practice faith value gathering to find encouragement and to request prayer.
Ashford School continues a long and fruitful association with St Mary’s Church in Ashford town centre, which is open during the week for periods of time and where a wide variety of services are conducted throughout the year. There are quiet spaces to pray in this historic and beautiful building. When the Chaplain is not in Ashford School, his time is devoted to parish responsibilities.
Reverend Richard Bellamy, Dip (HE), BA (Hons) Theology (Canterbury)
Ashford School’s student body is formed of students younger and older who support each other and provide care when needed. Students can support other students in the following roles:
Students also have access to an extensive network of adults at the School, who are always on hand to help. Adults in the following roles support our students, but pupils are welcome to talk to any adult in the School they feel comfortable with: