PASTORAL LIFE AND WELLBEING
St Teresa’s is renowned for the exceptional quality of its pastoral care
We recognise that children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and supported, so we put pupil’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do We aspire for all our pupils to flourish – to achieve their very best whether in their academic studies, co-curricular activities or in their daily participation in and out of school
St Teresa’s is guided by strong core values that shape every aspect of school life, nurturing a vibrant, kind, and supportive community where pupils from all backgrounds are welcomed
OUR APPROACH
The Pastoral pathway provides a structured, relational approach to supporting the social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs of all pupils Grounded in positive psychology and emotional literacy, the pathway allows pupils to progress through layers of support, from universal wellbeing provision to specialist interventions. Every pupil can grow, connect, and flourish.
EARLY SUPPORT AND PROVISION
We are proud to have a highly experienced and compassionate wellbeing team, including Pastoral Leads, SENCOs, Nurses, Counsellors, Pastoral Assistants, Boarding Team, Chaplain and ELSAs
United by a shared purpose, they listen without judgement, provide meaningful support and empower pupils to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
Understanding that asking for help can feel daunting, we introduced a QR referral system, discreetly located in communal spaces and on our online portal. This enables pupils to reach out for support quickly, independently and in complete confidence ensuring that every pupil knows help is always within reach.
SHIFTING THE STIGMA
A sustained focus on pupil voice, open discussion and staff training is transforming our culture and strengthening wellbeing across the school We actively challenge the stigma surrounding mental health by making support visible, accessible and judgement-free
WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH
Because no two pupils are the same, our mental health and wellbeing provision includes:
1-to-1 Support & Interventions: Daily check ins to build resilience and coping strategies.
Comprehensive PSHE: Lessons covering emotional health, self-awareness, and resilience
Peer Listening & Empathic Training: Pupils supporting pupils in a safe, understanding environment
PEACS: Pastoral, Enrichment, Academic and Social check ins with pupils on a termly basis.
Staff Development: CPD and Mental First Aid Course
The Wellbeing Hub: A dedicated online platform supporting pupils, parents, and staff.
Workshops for Parents & Staff: Promoting a joined-up, whole-school approach to mental health
Peer Mentoring: Sixth Form and Year 11 mentors guiding and supporting younger pupils Pupils are trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Peers Protecting Peers: Online Safety Guidance, older pupils guiding younger pupils on how to avoid the pitfalls of social media
Mental Health Ambassadors: Inspiring open conversations, raising awareness, and supporting peers to thrive.
Wellbeing Rooms: Safe spaces to rest, reflect, and restore
Drop-In Sessions: Informal pastoral support when it’s needed most
Assemblies & Workshops: Focused on key wellbeing themes, e.g., stress management and online safety
Mindfulness & Relaxation Activities: Lunchtime clubs and guided sessions to foster calm and focus
ELSA Support: Helping pupils develop emotional literacy, resilience, and healthy coping strategies.
Awards & Recognition: Celebrating every pupil’s achievements and contributions
Animal Therapy: Regulation support with our ponies or therapy dog
SAFEGUARDING
St Teresa’s demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every pupil. Safeguarding is embedded in all decision-making, with every member of the community staff and pupils alike equipped and trained to recognise concerns and respond appropriately.
We have numerous policies and procedures that support our Safeguarding commitment, but it is the extent to which an organisation understands, values, and weaves safeguarding into everyday life that really matters We strive to ensure that safeguarding and a positive culture become second nature and shape every decision we make. At St Teresa’s everyone genuinely understands that safeguarding is non-negotiable and can never be sacrificed for any other goal
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Rachel Whitton; she is supported by a wonderful and highly experienced team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads who cover all facets of school life, including the Head of Prep, Head of Boarding, the Nursing Team and our Heads of Year. Together, we work collaboratively to ensure pupils and families are supported at all times, particularly when the most serious or sensitive circumstances arise Our approach is rooted in listening carefully, working in a non-judgemental manner and always striving towards the best possible outcomes for every child Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and families can be assured that support, guidance and care are always available..
Mrs Whitton writes regularly to parents in the monthly safeguarding newsletter on topics such as online safety, parenting a teen and managing all aspects of mental health
Recent pupil voice safeguarding survey results demonstrated that our pupils feel safe in school and all know who to go to when they need support
If you require immediate assistance, please contact safeguarding@st-teresas com If your message is about an urgent safeguarding matter or concerns an allegation of abuse, please contact the Police, the LADO on 0300 123 1650 or Surrey Children Services on 0300 4709100.
For urgent Mental Health Support there are several sources of support.
For your ease, here are some key numbers:
NHS urgent wellbeing help: 0800 915 4644
Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans org for a reply within 24 hours
Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you ' re under 19
https://teentips couk/
PASTORAL TEAM
Mrs Whitton has been involved in Pastoral education for many years and her 20 years of experience in boarding schools has awarded her recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Boarding Mrs Whitton is passionate about a valuesbased education, teaching children the skills they need for life and encouraging each pupil to develop their confidence, embrace opportunity, develop a love of learning in and out of the classroom and above all feel supported and listened to as they embark on their journey to adulthood. Her expertise within safeguarding has assisted her to become a safeguarding governor at a Surrey Primary School and she is the vice chair of the GSA Pastoral and Safeguarding committee
Mr Breeze works closely with the Deputy Head: Pastoral and oversees the Heads of Year to ensure that each pupil receives thoughtful guidance throughout daily school life. This includes keeping a close eye on wellbeing, attendance and behaviour, supporting pupils as they navigate friendships, learning and the natural challenges that come with growing up Mr Breeze leads pastoral initiatives, such as peer mentoring, so that pupils are equipped with the skills they need to develop confidence and maturity to support themselves and others.
Nurse Sandy leads St Teresa’s school nursing team with extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to student wellbeing. Under her leadership, the team comprising Nurse Kirsty, Nurse Jas, and Nurse Katie delivers exceptional medical and pastoral support, ensuring every student receives timely, compassionate care Together, they create a safe, inclusive environment where students are supported to thrive academically, emotionally, and physically.
Gemma and Edith are our school counsellors. Sometimes we go through worrying times or experience a whole range of feelings and emotions that we may not understand This is really normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you are finding it difficult to share with anyone in school something that is troubling or worrying you, or you just need a non-judgemental space where you can be “ you ” , you could meet with the School Counsellors.
Mrs Sladen is a qualified ELSA and Pastoral Assistant She is deeply passionate about supporting girls to reach their full potential both academically and personally She empowers pupils to build confidence, develop resilience, and embrace challenges with courage. Through compassionate guidance and practical strategies, she encourages girls to step beyond their comfort zones, discover their strengths, and grow into confident, capable young women ready to succeed in school and in life.
ANIMAL THERAPY
To support our Pastoral team, we have Yogi and Teddie, our wonderful therapy dogs These woofs bring daily happiness, comfort, and emotional support to our students. Their calming presence helps reduce stress and anxiety, supports emotional regulation, and boosts confidence, making the school day feel more manageable and positive
Pupils can book time with the dogs for therapeutic walks, giving them a safe, non-judgemental space to share their thoughts and feelings. You might also spot them walking up and down Baker Street, always on the lookout for treats and ready to offer a soothing, furry presence to anyone who needs it
We are proud to offer an on-site Equestrian Centre, providing pupils with access to horses during break and lunch It offers pupils a unique and enriching opportunity to explore all aspects of equine care and riding. Pupils can take riding lessons, engage in hands-on learning, and develop a deep understanding of horse welfare and management
Their lunchtime “Saddle Up Club” provides a welcoming space for pupils to spend time with the horses while learning about equine behaviour, nutrition, grooming, and hoof care The club encourages curiosity, responsibility, and a genuine connection with the animals.
For pupils wishing to pursue equine qualifications, the Centre offers a range of accredited training opportunities, including British Horse Society Stage qualifications, Challenge Awards, and Pony Stars. These programmes support both personal development and future career pathways in the equine industry. The Equestrian Centre also supports pupil wellbeing through our “Changing Lives Through Horses” programme Recognising the strong link between animal interaction and mental health, this initiative helps students develop essential life and employability skills such as communication, confidence, teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance. Pupils also have the opportunity to earn a GCSE-equivalent qualification, enhancing both their personal growth and academic achievement
SEND & LEARNING SUPPORT
Our Learning Support Department works in close partnership with our pastoral team and, together, we provide inclusive, personalised support for pupils with a wide range of learning needs and neurodiversity. We recognise the additional challenges some pupils face, including teenagers’ tendencies to mask their struggles, environmental or social overload and therefore strive to look beyond classroom adjustments alone.
We offer a safe and trusted platform where pupils can talk openly, feel understood and develop strategies to manage what they find most challenging. Support is carefully tailored to individual need and may include one-to-one learning support sessions, group sessions, study skills support, tapered timetables, guidance through key transitions, adaptations to subject choices, animal therapy and targeted regulation sessions to help pupils manage overwhelm and build effective coping strategies We actively listen to pupil voice and adapt provision accordingly, with access to time out in our dedicated wellbeing space and a quieter lunchtime environment, including a ‘sandwiches to go ’ option where appropriate Central to our approach is close collaboration with pupils and parents, ensuring support is consistent, responsive and centred on the wellbeing and success of every child.
Should any pupil wish to discuss their own or a parent wish to discuss their daughter’s learning needs, please do reach out to our Head of SENDCo, Mrs Audrey Moncrieffe - a moncrieffe@st-teresas com
PUPIL LED ENRICHMENT CLUBS
We encourage and support our pupils to run and promote their own clubs When students lead, they take ownership of their learning and explore their passions whether it’s Crafting, Speed Cube, Puzzling or Colouring.
In Boarding, the girls took the initiative and created the Curiosity Corner - a welcoming space where curiosity is celebrated and pupils can respectfully explore and learn about each other and issues of concern
These clubs are naturally more engaging because they reflect what students truly care about Beyond the activity, student-led clubs build important skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving They also create a strong sense of belonging, helping students connect across year groups and feel valued within the school community
There are over 130 clubs and enrichment activities on offer, however, if you are interested in something in particular, please do contact our Deputy Head (Pupil Enrichment), Miss Claire Pitchford, c pitchford@st-teresas com
Pupils at St Teresa’s have lots of people that they can talk to when they have worries and concerns. However, there may be times when pupils want to speak to someone who is not on the school staff and who is therefore independent of the school.
Miss Taryn Bennett Mobile: 07514 800 042
Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, promotes and protects the rights of children, especially the most vulnerable, and stands up for their view and interests
