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We have strong pastoral systems to support students throughout their time with us. Each child has a tutor and a pastoral team comprising of a Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year and the Deputy Principal linked to each year. In most cases if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing you should contact your child’s tutor.

Equality and Diversity is a student-focused group which meets weekly. Students from a range of backgrounds meet to discuss current issues and to seek support where necessary. Students help create assemblies, create display boards, have input on the curriculum, and share their ideas about ways to ensure that CVC is an inclusive, supportive, diverse environment.

We use a range of support services in school to support pupils, these include:

• Psychotherapeutic counselling
• Mentoring and coaching by members of staff
• Youth work from professional youth workers (WCCYM)

If you have concerns about your child’s well-being that are non-urgent and need advice the school has an email address which is checked daily. This is Ìý[email protected]. Students can also email this address to seek non-urgent support and advice.

The Den is a support area to access at lunchtimes. All pupils are welcome, whether that is for a chat, to talk through any worries, or if a pupil would just like a quiet place to eat their lunch. The Student Support and Wellbeing Officer) and Centre Communication Support Specialist are on duty, and The Den is situated just outside the English office.

If you feel that your child is unable to cope and is a risk to themselves or other people seek advice from 111 and dial 2 to get support from mental health teams. You could also book an emergency appointment with your GP during surgery opening hours. If you have an emergency dial 999 to get immediate support or go to A&E.

WCCYM (West Cambridge Christian Youth Ministries) provide a Chaplaincy Team to the college, to offer additional holistic support for staff and students.

The Chaplaincy team’s pastoral support for students includes one-to-one youth work support, targeted group work and detached youth work. There are also additional opportunities for spiritual development and reflection, encouraging respect and tolerance for all within a safe space. This happens through formal settings such as lessons and assemblies, and through informal conversations and groups.

The team also support staff through organised wellbeing activities, and pastoral support in a one-to-one setting.

Cherie Williamson heads up the WCCYM Chaplaincy Team at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, alongside WCCYM workers Susie Thomson and Nick Slater, as well as a small team of volunteers.

What is a Young carer?

A young carer is a student who helps to look after a family member; this may involve physical or emotional care, or taking responsibility for someone’s safety or well-being. However the level of responsibility assumed by a young carer is often at a level beyond simply helping out with jobs at home, which is a normal part of growing up; as such it may impact on the education of the young person. Our aim is therefore to support the young carers within the school and to raise awareness of the role of young carers.

Comberton’s Young Carers group

The Comberton Young Carers group meets regularly in order to ensure that the students who are young carers are aware of the support available and can share their experiences with others in similar situations. Informal meetings are led by the students, involve a range of activities, and are always fun! Students also access activities with young carers from across the county, such as the Carers Week celebration trip to Grafham Water.

Support for Young Carers and their families

For some young carers attending the afterschool group is not how they want to approach support, and so for these students simply knowing they can quickly and easily access help is enough; an open door policy works and having a named member of staff (Miss Izzy Baker) means the students feel they do not need to explain their circumstances every time a concern arises and that their privacy is being respected. In addition to offering encouragement and support within school, the group also has access to external organisations. Centre 33 regularly liaise with the school and are able to offer assistance to the young carers and their families outside school through a national network.

For parents having a named contact at school is helpful, especially when circumstances change, and Miss Baker is always happy to speak to concerned families. Information about Centre 33 who support the Young Carers group is available from:Ìý

An important part of the group’s ethos is to raise awareness in the community of the role of young carers and assemblies, staff training, and events such as celebrating National Young Carers Day all contribute to this and help to ensure that the young carers in our midst are admired for what they do.

If you would like to find out more about the Young Carers group, please do not hesitate to contactÌý Miss Baker [email protected]

The one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all .

The Young Carers Support app enables young and young adult carers in the UK to find information and advice, self-help resources, wellbeing tips and activities, plus a catalogue of support services – all in one place. It’s free and available for any young carer.

App for young carers –

iOS:Ìý

Android:Ìý

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is a dedicated online space for grieving teenagers and young adults (13 to 25), powered by the childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish. Here you can learn from other young grieving people, find healthy ways to cope and feel less alone.

Offers advice and guidance on healthy relationships, sexual health and contraception.

‘‘s are part of NHS and Department of Education National Initiative thatÌý aims to transform children and young people’s mental health provision.

They sit within the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service and work in selected schools and colleges across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. They currently have eight MHSTs supporting 134 schools and colleges and by 2025, a further 4 MHSTs will launch locally, supporting an additional 80 settings

Positively supports mental health for children and young people, aged 7-16 years old, in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

General Enquiries: 07907141459

Parent Support Line:Ìý07932 651319

Support for those who may be concerned about their own or others’ mental health.

Support with feelings of Depression, Anxiety, Self-harming, Suicidal thoughts and Stress

Offers free confidential online counselling for students

To start a conversation, text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. Offers free, confidential, anonymous text support service with trained Shout Volunteers

Provides information, support and specialist treatment around drug and alcohol use, to young people under 18 and their families

Supporting those wanting to make changes to their lifestyle, such as stopping vaping and smoking.

Useful guidance for parents/carers and young people on online safety. The school also runs e-safety events throughout the year to support young people.

is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social or our counselling service.

Our Ìýexists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because we know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can contact us online or by phone.

Support for those experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Charity which aims to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts and friends and families affected by another person’s suicide.

Local information on support for LGBTQ+ young people and their families.

Racism & Mental Health, YoungmindsÌý– Range of resources to support BAME students as well as other sections focused on mental health and wellbeing

Autism & Mental Health, YoungmindsÌý– Offers support focused on neurodiversity