Student Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

At Dolphin, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our pastoral care programme underpins daily life and is guided by our five Core Values: Confidence, Discovery, Challenge, Freedom, and Kindness. These values foster strong relationships, mutual respect, and a culture where children feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school.

Safeguarding and Support

Our dedicated pastoral team, led by the Assistant Head, Pupil Welfare (DSL), works closely with Deputy DSLs and Form Tutors to provide wraparound care. Staff are trained to support positive mental health and wellbeing, and we use trusted resources such as NSPCC initiatives to promote safety and emotional resilience.

Form Tutors and Pastoral Programmes

Form Tutors are central to each child’s experience, offering daily support and acting as key contacts for families. Children benefit from regular check-ins, small-group Pod sessions, and interactive assemblies that explore topics like resilience, kindness, and healthy living. Our PSHE curriculum (Jigsaw) includes mindfulness and Global Citizenship, helping children understand themselves and the world around them.

Pupil Voice and Peer Support

We actively encourage pupil voice through School Council and the MyVoice platform. Children learn to express themselves using the TAG system (Tell, Ask, Go), and are taught to listen and respond respectfully. Our Listening Ear Box and Wellbeing Ambassadors offer additional layers of peer support. Year 6 pupils are paired with EYFS Buddies, building empathy and leadership through shared activities and a bespoke end-of-yearbook.

Wellbeing Ambassadors

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors play an important role in creating a supportive and caring school environment.

In Summer 2024, we introduced a team of Wellbeing Ambassadors to help promote positive mental health and wellbeing across our school community. These children, from Years 3 to 7, volunteered and were then chosen by their peers. They were selected for their supportive nature, empathy, and ability to spread positivity; qualities that embody one of our Core Values: Kindness.

We believe that good mental health and wellbeing are essential for helping children learn effectively, cope with everyday challenges, and grow into resilient, confident young people.

Our Wellbeing Ambassadors are currently taking part in Eikon’s Wellbeing Ambassadors Programme for Primary Schools, which helps them develop skills in:

• Active listening
• Empathy and understanding
• Problem-solving and resilience

Promoting positive mental health strategies

To make sure everyone knows who our ambassadors are, there are posters displayed around school with their photos and names, and they have been introduced in assembly, so all pupils know who they can approach for support.

House System and Belonging

From Year 1, every child joins one of four Houses—Lancaster, Plantagenet, Tudor, or York—creating cross-year connections and a strong sense of belonging. House events, competitions, and our Strides reward system build team spirit and culminate in the House Cup awarded at our annual Dolphin Night.

Beyond the Classroom

Our extensive break-time and after-school programme offers activities from Rock and Pop to rugby, gardening to swimming—mostly led by Dolphin staff. This enriches children’s experiences and strengthens relationships across the school community.

We are proud that our pastoral care was rated Excellent for Pupil Development in our most recent inspection. It reflects our commitment to nurturing happy, confident, and compassionate learners.

Lisa Williams (Assistant Head, Pupil Welfare)

Becky Lok (Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead)