Emergency Closures

In the case of severe weather conditions, or any other emergency, we may need to close the school. In the event of severe weather, the decision can often only be made early in the morning, unless otherwise advised by the authorities. When a decision is made we post the information on our home page. The telephone service will carry an appropriate message and we will also contact local radio stations.

Please be assured that we will endeavour to open and remain open wherever possible but we do have to be mindful of Health & Safety both on site and importantly on the journey to and from school. We do take clear advice and guidance from our transport companies relating to the safety of travel.

If we are faced with inclement weather before the start of school and we make a decision not to open it will be broadcast on BBC Radio Shropshire and other local radio stations as early as possible on the morning concerned.

We will also post a message on the News page – Announcements section of our website before 07.00am whenever possible.

Early Closure during the day

If the bus companies determine that they need to make journeys earlier in the day due to bad weather, we will send students home early. We will attempt to inform parents of these arrangements via BBC Radio Shropshire and other local radio stations; the school website home page and through In Touch, which will leave a message by email and text.

If you do not wish your child to go home early we will ask that you complete a proforma informing us of what arrangements you wish to make for their safety and journey home. Colleagues who do not travel will stay in school to supervise students until 15.20 but no additional travel arrangements can be made

Decision to re-open following closure

The school will open the next day following closure unless a notice is posted to the contrary on our website; and on BBC Radio Shropshire. Please check these sources early in the morning if in doubt.

If you have any concerns about these arrangements please do not hesitate to contact us at school.

Church Stretton School
Shrewsbury Road
Church Stretton
Shropshire SY6 6EX
Headteacher: Dr A Wood

Telephone: 01694 722209

At Church Stretton School we have adopted a House system within school, which along with vertical tutoring, has proved an excellent tool for encouraging students across all year groups to mix and work more closely together. This is an extremely important element which aims to foster healthy competition between the Houses but also to allow a ‘family feel’ so students settle quickly into school and older students are given positions of responsibility within Houses and tutor groups. After a whole school debate it was decided that the theme for the house names would be the local hills-all of which can be seen from the school field!

The four house names are Caradoc, Hazler, Lawley and Ragleth

Students across years 7 – are divided into 4 houses, with an equal mix of year groups in each. Each house hosts 4 tutor groups. This structure has facilitated ‘vertical tutoring’, meaning that students are no longer part of an age specific form group, but instead, students from all years have the opportunity to mix and work together, allowing for collaboration and mentoring to take place.

Here at Church Stretton School, we strongly believe that this provides students with an increased sense of belonging. Students remain with the same group, and tutor wherever possible, right the way through school; as they become older, their roles and responsibilities change and they will find themselves acting as mentors and role models for the younger students.  Throughout the year, students take part in a range of activities from sports to music events, each providing members with the opportunity to win points for their houses. This element of ‘healthy’ competition is essential to a child’s development and all students are encouraged to take part. House points are tracked throughout the year and, at the end of each academic year, the house with the most points is presented with the House Cup.

Rationale

Church Stretton School must do its best for each student in accordance with its mission statement, ‘Achievement for All’ demonstrating that it is a caring community that shows concern and understanding for the personal needs of each individual student.

It is important that each child can identify with their tutor, Head of Year or trusted adult in school, who know him/her individually and who can be consulted if and when personal or academic problems may arise.
It is the duty of all staff to ensure that a safe, caring environment is established for all children.
All staff must be constantly vigilant regarding the care and welfare of students, especially those in their own pastoral area.

Purpose:

• To provide a consistent structure of care within which each individual student may grow and develop.
• To support the academic learning process.
• To create an orderly, disciplined atmosphere in which students feel they are safe, secure and happy when attending school.
• To promote and monitor regular attendance and punctuality.
• To detect and assist students who may be at risk, or have special needs and to liaise with appropriate agencies via the relevant nominated person.
• To monitor the day-to-day welfare of the students and to be the facilitator between home/school/other agencies.
• To foster the personal development of students.
• All aspects of pastoral care entail a whole school involvement.
• Heads of Year and Tutors are responsible for the students according to the job specification given to them by the Headteacher.
• From year 7, as far as is practical, students will retain the same Form Tutor though to year 11.
• Tutors are responsible for attending meetings within their own House and are closely involved in the academic monitoring and mentoring of students in their tutor group as well as accepting responsibility for their pastoral care as directed by their pastoral leader.
• Tutors register students in their tutor group at the beginning of each morning, they monitor attendance and punctuality, drawing any problems or concerns to the attention of the relevant Head of Year.
• Tutor time is set aside each week to discuss specific themes, challenge inappropriate attitudes and mentor students. DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read), Votes For Schools, British Values, Tutor Time Takeaway’s and Celebration are covered throughout the week.
• There is a comprehensive rewards and sanctions system in operation within the school and clear and consistent disciplinary procedures.
• Links with parents are seen as a positive strength in the pastoral development of pupils. Communication with parents includes a weekly newsletter, transition and induction evenings, parents evenings, formal meetings and general emails for specific information giving.
• Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of social and educational activities, including residential experiences, foreign travel, clubs, teams, sporting and musical and theatrical activities and excursions.
• Links with charities are established within each House, funding raising takes place throughout the year.
• Students are given the opportunity to put forward their views by participation in the School Council (Tutor Representatives), to take on various roles and responsibilities, e.g. Prefects, Diversity and Inclusion and School Environment.