Pastoral Support

Pastoral Support at Ocean Academy

Mrs Simpson is our Pastoral Care Leader and her role is to support parents and families to positively face any challenges that may come their way. She is in school every day and can offer advice, a listening ear or arrange professional support where necessary. Mrs Simpson will periodically add relevant links, advice and outside agency connections to the newsletter and website and we hope they will be a useful reference.

A letter from Mrs Simpson

Dear All,

Understanding our children as both staff and parents is a lifelong journey. As adults, we bring a lifetime of our own experiences that influence how we raise our children. Sometimes, keeping up with new information can refresh our outlook on best practices to help raise happy children and families.

Please click the links below to take you directly to websites and further information on topics of interest:

The Domestic Abuse Project provides safe and confidential support for parents, carers, children, friends, or family members who may be suffering from domestic abuse. The project holds weekly drop-in sessions for those who seek advice or are concerned about someone.
Family Hubs: Across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, there are seven Family Hubs and three outreach centres. Hubs are based in central locations to help families get the right support, from parenting guidance to signposting community services.
Wellbeing Support: You can access the Wellbeing Hub in Poole, located inside the Dolphin Centre. The hub is staffed with skilled workers who will listen and signpost you toward help for anything from mental health and social connections to financial support. Click the link to find out more.
Poole Family Information Directory: This website is filled with advice and information for parents, including support during the school holidays.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF): Set up by BCP Council and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), this programme provides free holiday activity places for children and young people aged 5 to 16 receiving benefits-based free school meals.
Activities and Short Breaks for Children with SEND: A range of leisure activities is available in the local area for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Citizens Advice: For any families who need additional support with legal, debt, consumer, housing, or other issues, please contact Citizens Advice or call 0808 278 7939.