Wellbeing

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Meet the Pastoral Lead

I am Mrs Zinnia Wilkinson, and I am proud to be the Deputy Head Pastoral at Malvern St James. Having taught at the School since 2008, initially as a Pre-Prep Teacher, and having also been a parent at MSJ, I understand the school as a whole and have extensive experience as a pastoral lead. Alongside Enzo, the Pastoral Dog (who is happy to lay low for those who are not dog-lovers) I aim to support all members of the MSJ community to achieve maximum health and wellbeing.

Passionate about helping pupils develop life skills which will assist them in being competent and confident global citizens in their lives beyond MSJ, I recognise the importance of working with parents to ensure that our pupils are heard and mentored to fulfil their potential; learning comes when we feel safe and supported. In the words of the Greek philosopher Plato, “All learning has an emotional base.”

When I am not in School, I am training as a Counsellor and love to walk on the stunning Malvern Hills.

Wellbeing at MSJ

The pastoral team at Malvern St James is run by our Director of Pastoral Care who works closely with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, to ensure that every girl is able to access mentoring and emotional support which help her to build life skills in managing relationships, harnessing resilience and self-care.

From the first meeting, our focus is on the interests of each girl and how they feel about coming to a new school. It’s so important to spend time getting to know every new girl, understanding what drives her and, of course, her concerns. School tours are given by pupils, who are always keen to volunteer. It’s a great opportunity for the girls to chat about the school with her peers. The family meet key teaching and pastoral care staff and spend time with our Head. We offer taster days for new girls and will often put the family in touch with families of girls already here.

Malvern St James is a very friendly and inclusive school, and has a lovely family feel.

Girls enjoy friendships across the age-groups. They are incredibly supportive of each other and go out of their way to make newcomers feel welcome.

Malvern St James Girls’ School has been awarded a Gold Standard accreditation by the Carnegie Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing for the outstanding pastoral provision provided by the School. This prestigious award reflects the School’s commitment to support the wellbeing of every member of the community.

We continually review our systems of support to help girls feel at home and settled. Our teaching and house staff are open and friendly; encouraging email contact and conversations with parents that help provide three-way support for every girl in their care.

We manage transitions through the key stages and boarding houses. This helps girls to adapt to changes as they progress through the school. There’s always lots to look forward to as the girls progress and take on more responsibility as they mature.

Holistic Support

At Malvern St James we are committed to working as a team to support every pupil. Boarding, Teaching, Learning Development and Healthcare staff work together to ensure that every pupil has holistic care focused on developing life skills such as resilience, the ability to manage conflict appropriately, facing challenge and self-care.

MSJ Buzz is the umbrella under which all of our pastoral incentives lie and the hub of our Buzz provision is The Hive. This wellbeing space offers our young people the opportunity to talk, think, reflect and discover in comfort and with a range of applicable reading material and resources.

Pupils have the opportunity to work with members of the pastoral team, Pastoral Champions (a peer support team) or the School Counsellor to receive targeted and appropriate help when it is needed. In addition, this relaxing space provides somewhere to relax, reflect and recoup.

For more information about different aspects of this provision, please click on the sections below:

MSJ Healthcare
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Our Health and Wellbeing Centre provides round the clock healthcare for girls who need it at Malvern St James, as well as offering first aid, emotional support and an advice service. The School Doctor holds surgeries several mornings each week and works closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and healthcare staff to assist pupils dealing with specific medical or pastoral issues.

Pupils with specific healthcare needs have an individual Health Care Plan which helps staff to provide a high level of care appropriate to each girl. Healthcare staff will always contact parents if a pupil is admitted to the Health Centre and will work with external healthcare services if needed.

MSJ Mental Health Support
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MSJ has an excellent School Counsellor who is in School 3-days a week and timetables her sessions to fit in with a pupil’s academic and extra-curricular commitments. Whilst the School Counsellor works with the Deputy Head Pastoral when her clients feel this would be helpful, pupils are able to keep the content of their counselling sessions confidential from school staff if this is what they prefer. This arrangement is subject to Safeguarding considerations which will always be shared in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Over 30-members of the staff body are trained as Youth Mental Health First Aiders, with more staff joining this group every year. Boarding staff and Heads of Year are experienced in supporting pastoral and mental health needs and will liaise with the Deputy Head Pastoral to ensure a robust approach.

Pastoral Champions are Senior School girls voted by their peers as designated pastoral support pupils. These girls are trained to support their peers in collaboration with school staff to assist pupils who are struggling to access the support available. In the Prep Department, similar systems are underpinned by teacher-input.

Food & Nutrition
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Our fabulous dining facilities host daily meals for Boarders, Day Girls and Staff who eat together at breakfast, lunch and supper. Our chefs use high quality produce, locally sourced wherever possible, and recipes from around the world. The catering staff at Malvern St James take great pride in the quality of our meals and their consumption offers opportunity for integrated, nourishing, social occasions on a daily basis. Specific dietary needs are incorporated seamlessly, allowing those with allergies or bespoke diets to eat comfortably alongside their peers without emphasis on their requirements.

Malvern St James Girls’ School holds the Gold award for the Healthier Choices Scheme. The gold level standard acknowledges the commitment to offering freshly prepared food which includes a range of fruit and vegetables, providing healthier options within the menu and achieving excellent food hygiene and safety standards, including the food allergen requirements.

 

Sport and Exercise
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At MSJ we believe that a healthy mind is supported by a healthy body. Sports staff and Pastoral staff work together to ensure that all girls find a way to complement their academic and social programmes with physical activity. We teach pupils about their changing bodies with a particular focus on the female form so that they know their bodies and can utilise them effectively. Food and Nutrition lessons sit alongside academic PE and Biology lessons to provide girls with the knowledge to understand the links between health and wellbeing and their own responsibilities to pursue holistic wellbeing.

Spirituality

A thriving, multicultural, multi-faith community, Malvern St James makes opportunities to gather based around Christian values, alongside an ethos of mutual respect and acceptance for the beliefs of every member of the community. Assemblies are led by teaching and house staff, girls and visiting speakers and provide occasion for the School to gather and share in learning, reflection and contemplation. The Multifaith Worship Space is available to girls for private prayer or collective worship.

Spiritualty is also a part of our everyday. Nestled in the crook of the Malvern Hills we feel soothed by nature and take every advantage of our countryside location to support pupils’ spiritual development. Part of the Early Years curriculum, ‘awe and wonder’ are feelings it is all too easy to lose in the hustle and bustle of modern life. At Malvern St James we endeavour to find opportunities for all of our girls to experience moments of awe and wonder though their learning.

We celebrate the diversity of our community with monthly foci on areas of difference. We encourage all pupils to be their unique selves and celebrate individuality. Equity is championed and inclusivity insisted upon with the Diversity Circle monitoring pupil voice related to this aspect of our provision.

FAQ

General
What is pastoral care?
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Pastoral care refers to the support and guidance provided to pupils to ensure their well-being, both emotionally and socially. It includes fostering a safe and supportive environment where pupils can thrive.
Why is pastoral care important in a boarding school?
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Pastoral care is crucial in boarding school as pupils are away from their families for extended periods. It helps ensure they feel supported, safe, and nurtured, promoting their overall development and well-being.
Wellbeing and Safety
How does the school ensure the safety of pupils?
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The school implements strict safety protocols, including secure premises, 24/7 supervision, and emergency procedures. Staff are trained in child protection and both physical and mental first aid. For more information see the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

What mental health support is available?
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The school offers counselling services, access to mental health professionals, and various programs to promote mental wellbeing. Peer support groups and workshops on stress management are also available. For more information see the Mental Health Policy

How are bullying incidents handled?
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MSJ has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. Any incidents are promptly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken, including, if appropriate, counselling for both victims and perpetrators. For more information see the Anti-Bullying Policy

Academic Support
How does the school support pupils academically?
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Pastoral care includes academic support through personalised learning plans, subject drop-in sessions, and study skills workshops. Teaching and pastoral staff work together to monitor pupil progress and address any academic concerns.
What measures are in place to help pupils transition between different educational stages?
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Each Head of Year provides orientation programs, mentoring, and additional support to help pupils transition smoothly between different stages, such as moving from Prep to Senior School.
Personal Development
How is personal development encouraged?
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The School offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, leadership opportunities, and community service programs to help pupils develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility.
What role do Boarding Staff play in pastoral care?
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House staff are key figures in providing daily support to boarding pupils. They act in loco parentis as mentors to ensure pupil well-being and foster a sense of community within the boarding houses.
We encourage you to visit MSJ to get a full picture of the breadth of our offer and look forward to meeting you and your daughter.
Communication with Parents
How does the school keep parents informed about their child's well-being?
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Regular communication is maintained through emails, phone calls, and parent-teacher meetings. The School also provides updates via newsletters and an online portal where parents can access all School communications and track their child’s progress and wellbeing.
What should parents do if they have concerns about their child's well-being?
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Parents are encouraged to contact MSJ’s pastoral care team, their daughter’s Head of Year of her House Mistress immediately if they have any concerns. The School is committed to addressing any issues promptly and effectively.
Health and Nutrition
What provisions are made for pupils with specific health needs?
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The school has a dedicated Health Centre with trained medical staff. Pupils with specific health needs have individualised care plans, and staff are trained to manage various health conditions and emergencies.
How does the school ensure pupils receive balanced nutrition?
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The school provides a variety of healthy meal options catering to different dietary needs and preferences. Food is locally sourced and cooked onsite with a focus on nutritional value and excellent taste.
Extra-Curricular Activities
What extra-curricular activities are available for pupils?
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The school offers a wide range of recreational activities, including sports, arts, music, and clubs. These activities are designed to help pupils relax, have fun, and develop new skills.
Are there opportunities for pupils to engage in community service?
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Yes, MSJ encourages all pupils to participate in community service projects, which help develop empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of community.
Boarding Life
How are new pupils integrated into the boarding community?
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New pupils are welcomed through orientation programs, buddy systems, and various activities designed to help them settle in and make friends quickly.
What support is available for homesickness?
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The School provides emotional support through peer support and regular communication with family. If needed, counselling is available too. Activities and a supportive environment also help alleviate homesickness.

Safeguarding at MSJ

Our Deputy Head Pastoral, Mrs Wilkinson is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead. She works with a team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads to make sure MSJ pupils stay safe, following latest government guidance and working with external agencies when applicable. Pupil safety id promoted through education, primarily delivered through the PSHEEC Programme and our MSJ Early Help Offer, which recognises the challenges that families can face in bringing up children, can be accessed here. Our School Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be accessed here. For more information about Safeguarding at MSJ, or to report a concern, please contact Mrs Wilkinson on wilkiz@malvernstjames.co.uk

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