Pastoral Care
The personal well-being of every student enrolled at Cranbrook is an inherent part of the school’s ethos, one that is supported by the development and implementation of tried, tested and thought-through pastoral care policies.
Our community is built upon an established House system which ensures that every student can find friendship, personal mentoring and an essential team spirit outside the confines of the classroom. We have 5 boarding houses, 2 girls and 3 boys and 5 day houses.
All Houses have a House captain plus several senior students who guide the younger pupils through their school lives.
The Houses are also supported by dedicated teams of tutors who monitor the work and behaviour of each year in their care.
The tutor is the first port of call for a parent’s communication about their child, dealing with academic progress, social skills, personal development and any health and well-being issues. Nearly all Cranbrook teachers are involved in House tutoring.
All students have access to a wide range of information on how to build resilience and handle issues such as bullying, relationships, addiction, healthy lifestyles and wellbeing as part of the PHSE curriculum, our half-termly theme weeks and enrichment activities.
Special Educational Needs Department (SEN)
SEN is located in Crane House, at the bottom of the library steps, at the back of the In/Out car park. This is where our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) and Student Support Assistants (SSAs) are based.
The department exists to make learning accessible to all students. The SENCo and SSAs offer in-class, individual, and small-group support to students with medical conditions, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, and social, emotional, or mental health difficulties that might otherwise create barriers to learning. The department also advises teachers and parents on how best to support students with special educational needs. All teachers practise differentiated teaching methods to make learning accessible to all.
Although it will not affect the placement of your child in classes, it is important for us to know whether they have had any extra help in the past. Please complete the compulsory forms in the entry pack regarding SEN and medical conditions as fully as possible and return them to the Registrar. New Year 9s are closely monitored by their Head of House, tutor, and classroom teachers during the first weeks. Those who have learning issues of any kind are referred to the SENCo for assessment and potentially additional support. However, prior knowledge of a child’s likely difficulties will allow the necessary support to be offered as soon as possible.
Medical Centre
The Medical Centre is primarily for the care of boarders, though day students can also use its facilities during school hours. It is located adjacent to the swimming pool and Barham House.
The telephone number is 01580 711876.