Pastoral support services at SENse
Nothing matters more to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students, families, staff and associates. Our experienced pastoral team oversee safeguarding as well as student and family welfare.
There are no compromises when it comes to safeguarding. Our dedicated team ensure that all staff, associates and partners are up-to-date and compliant with our SENse safeguarding standards.
SENse Learning works with the Operation Encompass scheme which runs jointly between Police and Education. Operation Encompass has been designed to provide early reporting on any domestic abuse incidents that occur outside of school hours and that might have an impact on a student in our provision.
If you need to get in touch with our safeguarding team, please contact [email protected]. One of our DSLs or deputy DSLs will respond direct.
How pastoral care works
We have six DDSL’s who work alongside our pastoral manager (designated safeguarding lead) and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every student we work with. Safeguarding training is available to everyone who works with our students and procedures which are continually reviewed and updated.
Our pastoral team carries out timely interventions around safeguarding, behaviour, therapeutic input and Early Help family support. They work closely with the pathways team to identify students, families and associates that may need some targeted intervention support in one of these areas. Interventions can provide additional intensive support until a situation stabilises or a student successfully moves on from our provision.
Our welfare lead is there for any associate who wants to talk to enable them to feel supported and valued.
The team works closely with other professionals to provide a holistic approach, enabling students to thrive and meet their goals.
Training
Our pastoral team provide robust training to staff, associates, parents and carers. We have a comprehensive calendar of events covering a variety of safeguarding topics including mental health, exploitation, radicalisation and child protection.
We share resources so associates feel confident in their work. The welfare lead provides ongoing support throughout their time at SENse as well as offering access to therapeutic training and behaviour support. While our safeguarding lead provides regular webinars and training, and supports associates through any specific safeguarding concern access to maintain safeguarding as a priority.
From strength to strength
This case study tells the story of a young man with serious mental health needs, who was struggling with emotional regulation and engagement. With the right support from SENse Learning his mental wellbeing improved and he was able to gain a place at music college. He’s now on the path to becoming a DJ with an exciting future ahead.
Supporting families
The service we offer doesn’t just stop with our students. We know that families need a network of support and we can provide interventions, training and help to improve things not only for our young people, but for the whole family.