Supporting Students

At The Westgate School we are proud of the high level of pastoral support provided to all pupils in our care. We are committed to the belief that Every Child Matters. Encouragement and support on a range of matters are provided by pupil peer supporters, our own fully trained staff and professional counsellors.

Pupil Support Worker - Andy Hider

Andy works full time at the school and has a unique role in supporting and encouraging the pupils from a 'non-teaching' aspect. He offers extensive one-to-one counselling, group work sessions and spends time 'hanging out' with the pupils. Role of pupil support worker

Emotional Learning Support Assistant (ELSA)

Pupils are coached in Emotional Literacy so that they understand the link between feelings and thinking. The ELSA team help pupils identify, understand and manage their feelings so that they can cope in situations that they find stressful. The staff work with pupils on a one to one basis.

Peer Supporters

This is a system whereby the oldest, most mature members of the school support the youngest. Peer counsellors are trained in this role in Year 10 and carry it out in Year 11.

Student Assistance Programme (GROUP)

This is a six-week course, which takes students through different areas of their lives and allows them to share in a safe and trusted group. They meet regularly with other students from their Year group and are led through the course by trained members of staff. The feedback we get from these groups is outstanding and many students grow in confidence, resolve issues in their families and see a real change in their self-esteem.