Care and Support in School

At Newlands, we know that young people learn best when they feel safe, happy, and cared for. That's why the wellbeing of our students sits at the very heart of school life — not as an add-on, but as the foundation for everything we do.

Every student is known, valued, and supported as an individual. Whether they are facing an emotional challenge, a mental health concern, a disability, or a health-related issue, our experienced staff are there to help. We take a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, working together — and with families — to make sure every student gets the best possible help and advice, at the right time.

When your child joins Newlands, they join a school that genuinely cares. Below, you can explore the layers of support in place for every student throughout their time with us.

Form Tutors

Students have contact with their Form Tutors weekly; they are a good point of contact for any questions or issues, and will do their best to resolve a problem or signpost further help. Pupils have regular Academic and Personal Mentoring meetings with their tutors, ensuring their pastoral needs are met.  This is also an opportunity to refer students elsewhere if additional support is required.  

Heads of Year

The Heads of Year take on the role of overseeing the welfare of each year group, so that their development is supported at every level. They can help with academic concerns, emotional worries, friendship issues and general well-being.

Student Focus Centre

All Newlands pupils are able to access support and guidance through the Student Focus Centre (SFC). The Student Focus Centre promotes positive mental and emotional well-being to help everyone develop into confident and ambitious young people.  Anyone visiting the SFC will have access to a confidential and non-judgemental space, offering practical Solution Focus support and signposting to specialist advice and services if required.  During the current lockdown, the SFC will continue to support pupils whilst working remotely from home, via Teams or a telephone call.  If a pupil would like to speak to a member of the SFC, they should email Wellbeing@newlandsgirls.co.uk and one of the team will get in touch.

Counselling

Newlands works closely with Number 22 Counselling Service in Marlow Road.  A qualified counsellor from Number 22 runs regular groups, which offer pupils a safe and confidential space to discuss any issue that is worrying them and in turn, help one another.

Our volunteer counsellor provides one to one support for up to a maximum of 10 sessions.

Learning Mentors

Our Learning Mentors work with students from Years 7-11.  Heads of Year refer students to the Learning Mentor who will carry out an initial assessment to identify the area of need and then assist pupils individually, in groups or in the classroom, helping with issues such as organisation, homework and revision strategies.  

Sixth Form Learning Mentor

The Sixth Form Learning Mentor works with Year 12 and 13 students, helping them to develop both their academic and interpersonal skills.  The role involves both group and individual mentoring, which is designed to strengthen independent learning, as well as raising the aspirations of students by encouraging their progression into Higher Education, training or employment.

Safeguarding

• Newlands is committed to ensuring the welfare of our students and require all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.  All Safeguarding and Child Protection issues are taken very seriously.  
• We work closely with relevant support services, including those agencies involved in safeguarding children who may be experiencing or at risk of significant harm. We also strive to identify quickly any families who may benefit from Early Help intervention.
• The school will not tolerate any discriminatory, rude, aggressive or threatening behaviour towards any staff, students or members of our wider community.
• Newlands promotes a caring, safe and positive school environment

Further Help and Guidance

Helping children and young people to manage anxiety

Five Ways to Wellbeing

10 Top Tips Parent Resource - This resource is designed to offer practical advice on how parents can        safeguard their mental health and promote their wellbeing.

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