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 seven 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 more information about here Family Hubs.

For support with wellbeing, you can access the Wellbeing Hub in Poole, located inside the Dolphin Centre. The hub is staffed with skilled workers who will listen and sign post you for support for help with, anything from mental health, social connections, financial support and more. Click on the link to find our more.

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