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Pastoral Care and Well-Being

At Leweston Prep, pastoral care is the bedrock of school life. We aim to foster a joyful, purposeful community in which every child is known, valued and respected, an extended family where children look after one another and grow in confidence, character and curiosity. This whole‑school commitment shapes daily routines, relationships and the way we partner with families

Why Pastoral Care at Leweston Prep Works

  • Personal, proactive support: Staff know pupils extremely well, monitor needs carefully and respond quickly, blending care with consistent routines. 
  • Peer power: Buddies, mediators, leadership roles and a half‑termly School Council build agency, empathy and a shared sense of responsibility. 
  • Healthy habits every day: Nutrition that’s balanced and clearly signposted, family‑style dining, hydration routines and engaging health education. 
  • Specialist help on site: Nurses, a school counsellor and (where appropriate), a family counsellor, accessible when pupils and families need them. 
  • A campus that supports wellbeing: Extensive outdoor space, woodland and facilities encourage play, movement and a strong connection with nature.

"The staff really know the pupils and they are incredibly supportive when the pupils need some extra support. "

Current Parent

Our Pastoral Ethos

Leweston has a clear sense of purpose that guides everything we do. We share sound, lifelong values and work hard to create a setting where kindness, respect and responsibility are lived by all. Children are encouraged to view the Prep as an extended family and behave accordingly, supportive, considerate and ready to help.
 

Settling In & Everyday Care

New pupils are never left to navigate alone. A trained Guardian Angel looks after each new child on their Taster Day and during the first weeks at school, ensuring they feel welcome at playtimes and lunch and know where to go and who to ask. A visible Buddy Bench offers an easy way for any child to seek a friend or a chat at break. Older pupils understand they are role models and take pride in supporting younger children, with prefects and form captains taking responsibilities seriously across the year.

We operate an open‑door approach. Pupils know they can speak to staff about any concern, and we maintain strong routines and oversight so pastoral needs are proactively monitored. Parents can contact form tutors readily, and our Parents’ Association of Leweston School (PALS) hosts regular coffee mornings to help families connect and engage with school life.

The Golden Rules

Our Golden Rules anchor behaviour and help children learn the difference between right and wrong. We expect excellent standards and guide pupils to make positive choices that support everyone’s wellbeing. At Leweston Prep, we: listen to people; are honest; are gentle; are kind and helpful; work hard; and look after property.
 

Health & Wellbeing: The Well‑Being Hub

We recognise that a child’s physical and mental health directly affect learning and happiness. Oversight of health and wellbeing is core to our provision. Children can access safe spaces around the campus and a dedicated Well‑Being Hub staffed by two experienced nurses. Local doctors from Apples Surgery in Sherborne hold weekly clinics on site for boarders, with a choice of male or female doctor. Our nurses also encourage pupils to take responsibility for their health and are a trusted listening ear. The School Counsellor is also available weekly via a walk‑in clinic or pre‑booked appointments. A family counsellor can also work in school to support families when needed.

Pupil wellbeing and mental health are ongoing areas of focus, integrated into daily routines and classroom life and our 50‑acre campus, woodland and outdoor learning spaces provide daily opportunities for movement, nature and fresh air, powerful foundations for wellbeing.

Peer Support & Pupil Voice

Leadership in Prep 6

Children in Prep 6 can apply for a range of leadership roles—House Captains, Librarians, Sports, Charities and Eco Monitors, and Junior Sacristan—taking on projects they help to shape and delivering initiatives with staff support. 

Prep Buddies

Our Prep Buddies programme pairs Prep 6 pupils with Pre‑Prep children and new starters weekly. Buddies focus on reading and academic guidance, listening to younger pupils read and noting progress in Reading Records; bonds often grow beyond literacy into confidence, friendship and belonging for both older and younger pupils.

Peer Mediators

Selected Peer Mediators (Year 6) complete training to support reconciliation, reflection and friendship issues, helping children resolve small disputes and learn constructive communication. 

School Council

The Prep School Council meets once each half‑term. Every class from Reception to Prep 6 elects a representative to gather suggestions and bring them to the meeting. Proposals go to the Headmaster—and sometimes questions are put to the School Governors—giving pupils a real voice in school life.

Healthy Eating & Mealtimes

Food Philosophy

Our caterers, Lodestone House, provide three nutritious meals daily guided by the F.U.E.L. – “Fuelling Unique Everyday Lives” philosophy. Menus use locally sourced ingredients, are analysed by registered nutritionists, and are clearly labelled so children can make informed choices aligned with nutritional needs and sustainability goals. 

What Lunch Looks Like

Each day, pupils choose from meat and vegetarian options, alongside a jacket potato/pasta bar, homemade soup and salads, with a variety of desserts. Prep 3 and above make their own selections at the servery under staff supervision; younger pupils are served at table by their teachers. We seat Prep pupils by class with staff to create a family‑style dining experience. Tea is provided for children staying for after‑school clubs or homework, and all pupils bring a water bottle to keep hydrated. The daily menu is published for parents via the Parent Portal.