At Ardingly Prep, we believe it’s our outstanding pastoral care that underpins all our pupils’ success – both academically and in terms of acquiring the confidence, skills and other personal qualities they will need to thrive in a changing world.
After all, if a child isn’t happy and comfortable in their own skin, they won’t achieve their full potentially academically, or in other areas of life.
Everyone is known as an individual
Our small class sizes and teaching groups – plus our high teacher-to-pupil ratios – mean every pupil at Ardingly Prep is really known and valued as an individual. Every single pupil is discussed at weekly staff pastoral meetings and teachers are quick to spot if anyone is struggling or needs some extra support.
“The school’s pastoral care is excellent: every child is discussed in weekly meetings and… a nurturing approach sees each child celebrated for who they are”
Talk Education Review
“Staff are particularly perceptive to changes in children’s emotions and provide effective support when it is needed”
ISI Inspection Report, June 2024
A culture of kindness
A culture of kindness permeates the Prep school. Rather like the message in a stick of rock, the importance of being generous to each other is at the core of our community.
“Children learn about the value of being generous to each other”
ISI Inspection Report, June 2024
Team-Building
Children take part in team-building activities right from the first week of the academic year, including a whole-school overnight camp. These team-building activities help children make friends, settle in and forge strong relationships between the children and staff too.
“Children learn to cooperate well with each other and show sensitivity to others. They form strong relationships with adults and build strong friendships with each other”
ISI Inspection Report, June 2024
Safeguarding
Our pastoral care is supported by a wide range of wellbeing initiatives.
Robust safeguarding underpins everything we do as a school. Our Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL) is Chris MacInnis and he can be contacted on DSL@ardingly.com.
