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 staff and parents is a lifelong journey. As adults we bring a lifetime of our own experiences that influence our styles of raising children. Sometimes keeping up with new information can refresh our outlook on best practices to help raise happy children and families.
Please click the blue links to take you directly to websites and further information on topics mentioned below.
The Domestic Abuse Project provide safe and confidential support for parents, carers, children, friends or family members who may be suffering from domestic abuse. The DV Project holds weekly drop in sessions for those who seek advice or have concerns / worried about someone.
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, there are six family hubs and three outreach centers (formerly called children’s centers). YMCA Bournemouth also run three children’s centers in Bournemouth on behalf of BCP Council. For Old Town Poole contact- Green Road, Poole BH15 1QB
T. 01202 817772 E. oldtownfamilyhub@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. You can access the family hubs timetables for sessions for more information.
You can also refer to Poole Family Information Directory and the website is filled with advice and parent information, including support during the holidays
Please follow Holiday and Activities and Food Program (HAF). This has been set up by BCP Council it has been awarded funding by the Department for Education (DfE) to support the provision of free holiday activity places for children and young people aged 5 to 16 receiving benefits-based free school meals. The name of the program is the holiday activities and food program (HAF).
You can also access Activities and short breaks for children with SEN. A range of leisure activities are available in the local area for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
For any families who need additional support for food and utilities due to the pandemic this continues to be available through the Citizens Advice Bureau or telephone 01202 081732. Alternatively follow Household Support Fund, the fund is designed to provide short-term financial support to vulnerable households struggling to afford household essentials. The Household Support Fund (HSF) is provided by the Government and administered by Citizens Advice, BCP Council
School has launched information about My Family Coach to help our parents and carers understand their children’s behaviour. My Family Coach is a free website written by behaviour experts with 20 years’ experience working with over 5,000 schools. My Family Coach will support you through the tough times, inspire you with new ideas and share practical tips to make parenting that little bit easier.
Kind Regards
Mrs Simpson
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL
I’m worried about my child’s eating habits
NHS-Mental Health Support and signposting for children
My Life Meditation/mental health resources
Book-Overcoming Your Child’s Fears and Worries
Kids First-Talking to children and about body safety
NSPCC- Talking about difficult topics
NSPCC-is a useful link for information around sexual behaviours and development