During these difficult times, all members of our community – pupils, parents and staff – quickly become aware of the challenges to our wellbeing. These can be due to the physical situation itself, of being much confined to home, for example. They can also be due to the need to spend much of the day online, for learning and socialising. On occasion, these may extend to concerns of a safeguarding nature.
In all instances, the school is here to support its community. Our pastoral and safeguarding teams are available throughout lockdown and will continue to support pupils and families as needed. We are pleased to say, too, that this includes our new school counsellor – Miss Abi Hazel – who is now in post and can provide support by arrangement via either Mrs Sanderson (Pre-Prep) or Mr Butcher (Prep).
The information below indicates the different routes through which support can be sought:
Pupils
If you are a pupil at Hallfield and you have any worries at all, the teachers are all available to support you. You can email your Form Teacher or, if you would like, you can email Mrs Sanderson (Pre-Prep) on lsanderson@hallfieldschool.co.uk or Mr Butcher (Prep) on tbutcher@hallfieldschool.co.uk .
Pupil conduct
We expect the same high standards of behaviour online as we do at school. Pupils are reminded that their ‘digital footprint’ can never truly be deleted. If you get upset or concerned about the behaviour of another pupil online, you should try to take a screenshot (not if it’s of them ‘live’ on a video feed) and email it as an attachment to the appropriate member of staff.
You should also know that these websites can lead you to expert support too. You can click on the names:
Parents
We know that this can be a very stressful time for parents. If you have any concerns about your child, please do email their Form Teacher or, if you feel it appropriate, Mrs Sanderson or Mr Butcher (see above).
We should emphasise the importance of securing online support from a reputable organisation/individual who can provide evidence that they are safe and can be trusted to have access to children.
The links below are all such organisations and provide some excellent resources that can help with a range of concerns, particularly online safety:
The government has also provided:
Specific to providing support in Birmingham and the surrounding area, from mental health, to bereavement, to financial circumstances – to name but a few – many useful links and services can be found here: