St Joseph's College Preparatory School attaches great importance to the quality and extent of pastoral care provided for pupils

The full range of support and guidance available to a pupil extends beyond the formal systems. In an important sense every teacher is a pastor, and the children will seek and receive advice from other members of staff who come to know them and whom they come to know in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities, or on the games field.

The social welfare and academic progress of each pupil is closely monitored. At the centre of the carefully planned pastoral care system are the Head, Class Teachers and support staff. They are responsible for the welfare and progress of each pupil, consulting regularly as a team.

As well as the more informal contact with parents which might take place after school or at the school gate, we hold more structured evenings throughout the year. At the beginning of the academic year we hold a Welcome Evening, which is an opportunity for parents to meet the class teacher and discuss any needs or concerns at the outset, as well as an opportunity to get to know other families in the same year group. During the Autumn and Spring Term we offer appointments at a Parents’ Evening with the class teacher and other specialist teachers who have been involved in your child’s education. In the Summer Term you will receive a detailed written report highlighting the progress made throughout the academic year.

Parents are also encouraged to contact the School at any time throughout the year if they have any concerns.

Personal and social education is an important aspect of the pastoral care system and every pupil is encouraged to develop an awareness of their own role in society through a structured programme of relevant topics. Sex education is taught as part of the curriculum in Years 5 and 6 and there are opportunities for discussion of the social and moral aspects in Religious Education and the Personal, Social and Health Education programme.

Morning assemblies are held regularly and parents are always welcome at the School's major liturgical celebrations, including those at Christmas and Easter.