We have become one of the first academies (with no religious affiliation) to introduce the role of a full-time chaplain, supported in conjunction with a local charity. The chaplain’s work includes the following:
- Support of staff by being a presence to provide support, advice and guidance, using a ‘Take what you need today’ sheet where staff can tear off a slip with an encouraging word, or the chaplains’ number to text worries etc;
- 1-2-1 sessions for senior leaders, in confidence;
- Complete duty time every day, enabling pupils to access support;
- Active mentoring of vulnerable groups, such as young carers etc, as well as pastoral support for excluded/challenging children;
- Lead of morning prayer groups for staff and pupils;
- Spiritual education organisation and support for multi-faith activities such as assemblies, curriculum development, PHSE, SRE and SMSC to support the ethos and values of the school;
- SMSC provision through the Thought for the Day screens, RE and PSHE conferences and assemblies are supported by the chaplain;
- The chaplain provides a unique perspective on teaching, learning, well-being and pastoral support across the academy.