Sources of Support
House Structure
Following the extremely successful first three years of Marlwood’s House System we are now very proud and excited as we move into the fourth year. The four House names:
Berkeley (blue)
Holt (red)
Kingsley (yellow)
Witton (purple)
reflect old English words for woodland and thus pick up the theme of ‘wood’ in Marlwood, the school site at one time being woodland belonging to the Marlwood estate.
The move to a House system was made to ensure we maintain our family orientated approach to school life, building on the traditional pastoral strengths of the school. By ensuring that all children from the same family are in the same House we are able to nurture a coherent, family focused environment where all students have a sense of belonging; to their tutor group, to their House and to the whole school community
The House system also fosters student participation in a range of roles, responsibilities and activities related to school life. As well as regular competitions our students have the opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in decision making and to make an impact in our wider community. We aim to celebrate their many talents and to build respect and care for others.
If your child comes to Marlwood he/she will join a ‘vertical’ tutor group comprising students from every year - 7 to 10. On average there are between 24-28 students in each tutor group, and each House has four tutor groups.
Currently Year 11 are separated into individual House Tutor Groups so we can offer bespoke intervention and support during this very important year for them.
The Form Tutor
The Form Tutor is the key adult in the school life of a student. Wherever possible, the Form Tutor remains with their group for the extent of the students’ first five years at the school. The Form Tutor meets their students for 20 minutes at the start of every day and is responsible for registering and monitoring attendance and delivering a programme of literacy, and personal and social education.
The Form Tutor is the first point of contact with the school for most issues. The tutors develop quickly an in-depth understanding of the students in their care. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns with the Form Tutor who is the adult in school who knows best their child.
Learning Support
Marlwood’s Learning Support staff comprises a large team led by our SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) – Miss K Ingle. The team has a number of Teaching Assistants who offer in-class and 1:1 support on an individual and small group basis. Students with vision, hearing and physical impairments are effectively supported and integrated as well as those with learning difficulties.
The school has excellent working relationships with the full range of support services. Marlwood is a caring school which values relationships with students, parents and carers, and outside agencies in order that we can ensure each individual is recognised and cared for, indeed thrives, in our care.
To contact the Learning Support department please e-mail k.ingle@marlwood.net
Mentoring
Mentoring is available to support students who need a little extra help and guidance through school. The support available is tailored to the needs of the individual and is accessed via a referral from the Head of House.
First Aid
The school First Aid room is situated near to the Mathematics rooms and the staff room. First aid is provided in school by qualified First Aiders. First aid is given to students who become ill or injured during the school day.
If your child is ill or injured at school, or requires further medical care, you will be asked to collect them as necessary. On arrival please report to Reception.
The first aider can administer prescribed or over the counter medication to students provided written permission has been given by the Parent/Carer. All medication needs to be stored in the medical room, clearly labelled and in the original package. The First Aid Room direct line is 01454 862565.
Bullying
Nobody should be bullied. If a child feels they are being bullied the school will be supportive in stopping it. The school runs an anti-bullying support service called Stop It. This is how you can get help.
- Talk to someone; your tutor/your Head of House/another trusted adult in school /a friend
- Text Stopit on 07758 955246.
- e-mail the school Stopit helpline
Additionally there are some national agencies which can help with bullying:
Cyberbullying
If cyberbullying persists outside of school hours click here for a list of social networking sites and contacts and procedures for reporting offensive material.
School Health Nurse
The local authority Senior Health Nurse runs a drop-in session for students on a Monday lunchtime in the Support Room. She can offer support on any subject.
Brook Clinic
Staff from Brook run a clinic on the school site on a Thursday. Students can access this service by drop-ins at break or lunch times. Appointments can also be given. Brook staff support students on the subjects of relationships, puberty and sexual health. Visit the Brook website.
Parenting Support
Raising young people is often challenging
At any time please feel free to speak to your child’s tutor or Head of House if you would like to discuss any concerns or difficulties that you are experiencing as a parent or carer.
Alternatively you may wish to make an initial contact through the school’s Learning Mentor, Mrs L Alden (l.alden@marlwood.net) or by phone on 01454 862573.
Supportive Parents
Local Authorities are required to provide a Parent Partnership Service for parents. Supportive Parents provides this service across three areas, one of which is South Gloucestershire. The PPS is a statutory service and offers information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs, thereby developing partnerships between parents and professionals.
Visit the website. Or phone 0117 9897724
South Gloucestershire Parents and Carers
Please be aware that SGPC publishes a magazine - Our Voice Matters - aimed at families who have children with additional needs or disabilities aged 0-25 in South Gloucestershire.
Further information can be found on their website. Or by phone 01454 501009.
Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a small welcoming group set up by parents to support families with children and young people with any additional needs. It meets weekly, on a Thursday, in Thornbury Baptist Church from 1.30-3.00pm.
Visit the website. Or telephone 07827 322358
Other Outside Agencies
Counselling Sevices for Young People
We have compiled a list of counselling services available for young people - click here to download.
Childline
Childline is the UK’s free, confidential helpline for children and young people. You can contact them at any time of the day or night, when trained counsellors are on hand to provide help, advice, support and protection.
It’s free to call and the number will not show up on any phone bills. You’ll be able to speak to someone who cares about your problems – so if you feel scared or out of control that’s okay. Their job is to listen to you and to help.
The Childline number is 0800 1111 or visit the website.
Parenting Support
Caring for children and young people can at times be very stressful. Support is available through Parenting and Family Support (formerly known as Parentline Plus). You can contact them at any time for advice or support.
The helpline number is 0808 800 222 or visit their website.
Young Carers
Are you someone under the age of 18 who provides substantial care for a family member who is ill, disabled or misusing substances?
Bristol and South Gloucestershire Young Carers work with families and give one-to-one support to individual young carers. They also provide social activities and outings, and work with professionals and agencies. Visit their website or call 0117 939 2562.
Be aware that the school also runs its own Young Carers support. Click here for more information.
Survive
Survive is a service which offers practical and emotional support, accommodation, information and education for women, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence and abuse. Visit the website.
Survive also has a dedicated children’s and young people’s service - Back on Track - which offers confidential support groups to young people aged 11-17 and children aged 7-11 who have been affected by abuse or violence in their home.
Stonewall
If you have any questions about your sexuality visit the Stonewall website.
Feeling Stressed?
Everyone has situations in their lives which cause them stress. For example, relationships, poor housing, health problems, any kind of change, loneliness, isolation, financial issues. The following are places where you can get advice and support:
- Bristol Mindline – free on 0808 808 0330.
- SANE – can help you answer questions about your emotional well-being. Visit the website or call 0845 767 8000 (local rate).
- Young Minds – for parents and professionals with concerns about mental health of a young person. Call free on 0808 8025544 or click visit the website.
Drink Aware
Drink Aware is an independent charity with the sole purpose of providing people with information about alcohol and its effects. The aim is to dispel the myths and present the honest facts in order that people can make an informed choice about drinking for themselves.
For more information visit the website.
Alateen
This is a service which can help young people to cope with a parent/carer who drinks too much. It is aimed at young people from 12 to 17.
Another service is Nacoa which provides information, advice and support to children of alcohol dependent parents and people concerned with their welfare.
Visit the website. The (free) helpline is 0800 358 3456.
Connexions Direct
This service helps you answer questions about school, jobs, health and relationships. It is aimed at children aged 13-19 and they can put you in touch with your local Connexions centre.
It’s Not Your Fault
This service helps young people whose parents/carers may be splitting up.
Cruse Bereavement Care
This service can help you cope with the death of someone you love.
Visit the website. Or call 08444 779 400 or the local contact on 0117 926 4045
FRANK
This national drugs helpline helps you to answer questions about drugs.
Telephone free (24 hours a day) on 0800 77 66 00.
Samaritans
This service helps you cope with sadness or thoughts about taking your own life. The phone line is open 24 hours per day. Call 08457 909090.
Voice
If you are a young person in care or about to leave care this service can answer any questions you may have. Visit the website or phone (free) on 0808 800 5792.
Alternatively The Who Cares? Trust can also help you if you are in residential or foster care. Visit their website.