PASTORAL CARE

EVERY CHILD KNOWN. EVERY CHILD SUPPORTED

At The Lisboan, we believe that children thrive when they feel safe, valued and connected. Pastoral Care is at the heart of our school, creating an environment where every student is known as an individual, supported to overcome challenges and encouraged to become the very best version of themselves.

Our approach extends far beyond responding to problems. It is about building strong relationships, promoting wellbeing, developing character and ensuring every child feels a genuine sense of belonging. Through close partnerships with families, dedicated pastoral support and a culture rooted in kindness and respect, we help students flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

Rather than being a separate programme, pastoral care is woven into everyday school life through:

Strong relationships with teachers
A culture of kindness and respect
Daily wellbeing check-ins
Personalised support
Student voice
Family partnerships
Safeguarding and child protection
Positive behaviour guidance

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES

Being a deliberately small school means every child is truly known. Teachers, tutors and leaders take the time to understand each student’s strengths, interests and individual needs, creating relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

We believe that children achieve their best when they feel understood and supported. By creating a warm, inclusive environment where every student feels they belong, we nurture the confidence to explore new ideas, embrace challenges and develop meaningful friendships.

WELLBEING AT THE HEART OF LEARNING

We believe that wellbeing is fundamental to learning. When students feel safe, valued and connected, they are more confident to embrace challenges, take risks and reach their full potential.

At The Lisboan, wellbeing is intentionally woven into every aspect of school life. Through dedicated PSHE learning, meaningful conversations, strong relationships and daily classroom experiences, students develop the emotional awareness, resilience and confidence they need to thrive.

Our assemblies also play an important role in nurturing wellbeing and belonging. Weekly assemblies and twice-monthly Learning Celebration Assemblies bring the whole school together to recognise achievements, share learning, celebrate individual and collective successes, and reinforce our shared values. These moments strengthen our sense of community and remind every student that they are seen, valued and part of something bigger than themselves.

From Early Years through to Secondary, students learn to build positive relationships, celebrate diversity, make responsible decisions and care for their own physical and mental wellbeing. By placing wellbeing at the heart of learning, we nurture not only successful learners, but kind, confident and compassionate young people.

EVERY STAGE OF THE JOURNEY

EARLY YEARS

Young children develop confidence through secure relationships, routines and nurturing teachers who understand their individual needs.

PRIMARY

Year 3 students learning in class at The Lisboan

PRIMARY

Students learn to manage friendships, emotions, resilience and independence while developing confidence to become active members of the school community.

SECONDARY

As students mature, pastoral support helps them navigate adolescence, increasing independence, wellbeing, identity, friendships, academic pressures and future planning.

BELONG, OWN, ACT: OUR APPROACH TO PASTORAL CARE AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Pastoral Care at The Lisboan is guided by our BOA framework – Belong, Own, Act. It shapes how we build relationships, support wellbeing and create a positive school culture where every student feels safe, valued and able to thrive.

BELONG

Feeling that you belong is the foundation of wellbeing. We create a welcoming, inclusive community where every student feels known, respected and valued. Through strong relationships with teachers and peers, students develop the confidence to be themselves, build meaningful connections and engage fully in school life.

OWN

We help students develop the self-awareness, resilience and emotional intelligence to navigate challenges with confidence. By taking ownership of their choices, behaviour and wellbeing, students learn to reflect, solve problems, seek support when needed and grow from every experience.

ACT

We encourage students to make a positive contribution to those around them. Through kindness, empathy and integrity, they learn that their actions have an impact on others and discover how they can strengthen their community while becoming responsible global citizens.

Our approach to behaviour reflects these same principles. We see behaviour as an opportunity for learning and personal growth, rather than simply something to be corrected. Positive behaviour is recognised and celebrated, while challenges are approached with empathy, consistency and a restorative mindset. When difficulties arise, students are supported to reflect on their actions, repair relationships and develop the skills to make positive choices in the future.

By combining high expectations with genuine care, we create a respectful learning environment where every student feels supported to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility.

EVERY STUDENT HAS A SUPPORT NETWORK

EVERY STUDENT HAS A SUPPORT NETWORK

Pastoral Care is a shared responsibility. Every student has trusted adults who know them well and are there to celebrate successes, offer guidance and provide support whenever it is needed.

Depending on their age and individual needs, students are supported by their Homeroom Teacher or Tutor, Heads of Year, the Senior Leadership Team, our Learning Support Team and the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This collaborative approach ensures that every child receives the right support at the right time.

SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

Students on an educational visit to Belém, Lisbon

SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

Joining a new school—or a new country—is a significant transition for both children and parents. We understand the excitement and challenges that can come with relocating and are committed to making every family feel welcome from the very beginning.

Our pastoral team works closely with families to help students settle into school life, build friendships, develop confidence and quickly feel at home within our community. Whether a child joins at the start of the academic year or midway through, we provide the care and guidance needed for a smooth transition.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES

Parents are an essential part of every child’s wellbeing journey. We believe that open communication and strong partnerships between home and school create the best possible environment for children to thrive.

Regular contact with families, approachable staff and a shared commitment to each student’s development allow us to celebrate achievements together and respond quickly whenever additional support may be needed.

SAFEGUARDING

SAFEGUARDING

The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a secure, nurturing environment where students feel safe, respected and confident to learn, grow and thrive.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of our school community. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and follow clear procedures to ensure that concerns are recognised, reported and addressed promptly and appropriately. Students are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult whenever they need support, knowing they will be listened to with care and respect.

We believe that effective safeguarding is built on strong relationships, open communication and a culture of trust. By working closely with families and external professionals where appropriate, we ensure every child receives the support they need to flourish.

For further information, please refer to our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Pastoral Care is not something that happens only when challenges arise. It is part of every interaction, every relationship and every school day. By ensuring that every child feels known, supported and valued, we create the confidence, resilience and sense of belonging that allow young people to flourish both in school and beyond.

READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?

We would be delighted to learn more about your family and answer any questions you may have.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year.

Enquire Now
Book a Tour

Or please contact our Admissions Team:
EMAIL: admissions@the-lisboan.school
PHONE: +351 910 114 631