Junior Department

When a child is happy he or she will learn and we recognise this as an essential ingredient for a successful learning environment.

This starts from the moment the children arrive at school when the Form teachers are ready to greet the children first thing in the morning and the Head of Juniors is always on hand to answer any queries. We recognise the necessity to deal with any little issues immediately so that the children feel comfortable and happy. In Year 3 there is a teaching assistant to support the teachers and she is on hand to help, be it undoing buttons or hearing children read. By Year 4 and 5 the children are becoming more independent and the form teachers continue to oversee the members of their form, supporting them and making sure that they build a good rapport with each pupil in their care and are available as a first port of call if any problems arise.

The reward and punishment system works throughout the school and each pupil builds up a points total which counts towards their house. The children enjoy a special weekly tea as a reward for gaining a target number of points. Special assemblies for the younger members of the Prep school take place regularly and a specially structured PSHE programme addresses social issues. Together we seek to create a family atmosphere in a community that cares for everyone. We emphasise the importance of good manners and a respect for others.

The school motto is highlighted when merit badges are awarded to children who have done something particularly praiseworthy during the week.

Our aim is to provide a happy working atmosphere where the children can learn to be confident but caring individuals.

Senior Department

All staff consider themselves to be playing a part in the care of the children, including our support staff. The prep school children are told that, if they have a problem, they should tell a member of staff and they can approach any member of staff with whom they feel comfortable. The important thing is to tell someone so that we can help.

Obvious choices are the Form Teacher who has an overview of all children in the class; the House staff who see children in their House on a weekly basis; the boarding staff who might develop especially good working relationships with boarders; subject teachers or a senior member of the management team such as the Head of Juniors, Director of Studies, Senior Master, Deputy Head or the Head. If children need a little quiet advice during play times, they might also approach a prefect. Year 8 children in the prefect role aim to support younger children where they can.

At Vinehall, we promote a feeling that we are all on the same side. Children are encouraged to share their concerns and are provided with advice. Sometimes this is merely guidance over dealing with a situation. Parents are involved if we feel that a situation has reached a level where the parents would wish to be involved from home. We consider ourselves in partnership with parents in supporting children through difficult times and we hope that parents will share with us any news of home that might be relevant.

We aim to take a positive stance with our children, helping them to deal with all kinds of issues that might arise as they grow up. This is an important part of their social education and can include friendship-building and study skills advice.

PSHE lessons are used in exploring issues such as bullying and school assemblies focus on current issues at school.

For more sustained and individualised support, a child can have a designated Tutor. All senior boarders have a tutor as a matter of course. The tutor will meet with tutees on a weekly basis and liaise with staff and parents as necessary.

We recognise the importance of helping our children to feel happy, confident and successful and we make this a priority at Vinehall.

Staff Contacts:

Pastoral (boarders):
Mr Magnus and Mrs Helen Caithness (Houseparents)

Pastoral (day children):
Form teachers in the first instance

Quotes from the new Year 3 juniors:

'The Pre-Prep was great but the Prep is brilliant!'
A new year 3 junior

'We get to do so many fun things like carpentry and we can even choose what we eat at lunch.'

'All the teachers are really kind.'

'I can’t wait to go to special tea!'

'I wish I was still at Vinehall – it was like being part of one enormous happy family.'
A quote from an old boy