Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Pastoral care is one of our top priorities at Carshalton High School for Girls. We are committed to supporting each individual learner so that she is able to achieve her potential in an environment where she feels safe, supported, and valued.

We take a whole-school, relational approach to wellbeing, recognising that positive mental health, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging are essential to learning, attendance, and success. We combine high expectations with high levels of care so that every student can thrive both academically and personally.

Pastoral Structure and Support

Our Heads of Year and their pastoral teams foster positive and close working relationships with parents and carers in order to remove any barriers to learning. Heads of Year are responsible for their year group and, alongside their team of Form Tutors, are the main point of contact for students and families.

Our Form Tutor teams play a vital role in supporting students’ wellbeing. Through daily contact and a consistent tutor relationship, they help students feel known and supported. Tutors deliver a specially designed tutor time learning plan that covers a wide spectrum of personal development and wellbeing topics, including mental health, resilience, friendships, self-esteem, online safety, and healthy relationships.

Pastoral Support Officers

In addition to Form Tutors and Heads of Year, each year group has a dedicated full-time Pastoral Support Officer (PSO). The aim of this role is to ensure that every student has a fulfilling and enjoyable educational experience at Carshalton Girls.

Our PSOs are trained to support individuals and groups when students or parents have concerns. They work closely with students, families, and staff to resolve issues, remove barriers to learning, and ensure students are able to make good progress.

Our Pastoral Support Officers are also trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA). This enables them to provide additional emotional support where needed, including helping students to develop confidence, manage emotions, and build positive relationships, ensuring they feel supported, listened to, and ready to succeed.

Peer Support and Mentoring

Our trained peer mentors provide additional support, ensuring students have trusted friends to turn to during tough times. We also run the Little Sister - Big Sister Programme for Years 7 and 8, helping younger students build confidence, resilience, and lasting friendships through mentoring relationships with older peers.

We have a dedicated full-time Attendance Officer who is focused on ensuring student attendance is a key priority. Good attendance is a key driver in your child’s success at Carshalton Girls. 

Targeted Wellbeing Support

Where a student is identified as needing additional support, we offer targeted wellbeing provision. This may include one-to-one or small-group support from our pastoral and wellbeing teams, mentoring programmes, and, where appropriate, support delivered in partnership with external organisations.

We work closely with parents and carers at all stages, ensuring open communication and a shared approach to supporting each student’s wellbeing and personal development.

Specialist and Safeguarding Support

In some cases, a young person may require more specialist or sustained support. We work with a range of professionals and external agencies, including counselling and health services, where appropriate.

All wellbeing concerns are managed through our safeguarding procedures, and student safety is always our highest priority. Staff are trained to recognise signs of distress and to share concerns promptly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that students receive the right support at the right time.

Attendance Support

We have a dedicated full-time Attendance Officer who works closely with pastoral teams, students, and families to promote good attendance. Attendance is a key driver of success at Carshalton Girls, and we provide early support where attendance concerns arise.

Wellbeing Support and Resources

Feeling anxious or worried is a normal part of life for children and young people. However, it is important to recognise when these feelings become overwhelming or persistent. Knowing when to seek help — and how to start the conversation — can make a real difference.

Use the links in the menu to access a range of support and guidance for young people and families, including local and community wellbeing services.