Our Pastoral Care is sector-leading and central to our supportive community of students and staff. Our Tutor and House structures are at the core and, as well as the strong bonds made with fellow classand housemates, it is the commitment and dedication of Tutors, Houseparents, their Assistants and Matrons which leave a lasting impression. All staff at Fettes Preparatory School advise, help and encourage, and are simply there for the students whenever needed.
We are committed to all aspects of student wellbeing from healthy eating and physical activity to mental health. By prioritising this, each of our students can thrive and embrace all that a Fettes education has to offer whilst making friends for life.
However, if a student requires further assistance beyond their Tutor and House team, we have an array of additional support services that we and they can draw upon. These are adult-led, with some being facilitated in the Medical Centre, and offer 1:1 support in each individual context. This brochure outlines the additional services that we can all draw upon to ensure each student’s wellbeing is being well supported.
internal support
Who Can Help?
We hope that your child’s time at Fettes will be happy, but there may be times when they need someone to talk to or to help them with a problem. There are many people within the school community who can offer help, support and advice.
Below is a list of people who will often be the first people you or your child will turn to:
• Tutor
• Houseparent
• Matron
There are, however, many others to whom you and your child can speak:
• The Head
• A member of staff
• The Chaplain
• A friend in their form, year or dormitory
• A Graduate Assistant
• The Deputy Head
• Miss Emma Davies (Head of Pastoral Care and Child Protection Coordinator)
• A member of the school Medical Centre
• The school’s independent counsellor
What About Confidentiality?
All members of staff are here to listen and help. If they are concerned about your child’s safety, they may need to share the information with someone else. Parents should be reassured that, wherever possible, it is the aim of the school to act in the best interests of the child and to encourage the fullest possible involvement of, and consultation with, the parents.
support for learning (sfl)
Please be aware that Support for Learning (SfL) is an integral part of the fabric of Fettes Preparatory School. Please contact your child’s Tutor or Mrs Sarah Neary (Head of Support for Learning) for further information.
the medical centre
Nursing Appointments
If a student requires to see one of our school nurses during term time, they or House staff can request an appointment by phoning or emailing medicalcentre@fettes.com.
GP Appointments
All boarders are registered with Bangholm Medical Centre. The GPs from Bangholm visit the school four mornings per week during term time and appointments can be made via the Medical Centre.
If a student requires to see one of our GPs during term time, they or Houseparents/Matrons can request an appointment by phoning or emailing medicalcentre@fettes.com. Student name, date of birth, contact number and reason for appointment should be included in the email. Admin will reply with an appointment date and time. Appointments are available from 8am – 8pm.
Out with term time, boarding students residing in Scotland should contact Bangholm Medical Centre directly on 0131 552 7676.
If Bangholm suggest a face-to-face appointment but you cannot attend due to travel time, distance etc then you must contact your local GP practice and ask to be a temporary patient. Please ensure that they do not register you as a permanent patient as this means your medical notes will no longer be immediately available when you return to school. The school GP will also not be able to see you.
Prescriptions
During term time, the GPs from Bangholm Medical Centre will issue a prescription and have it sent directly to our local chemist, Omni Care, Queensferry Road. They then deliver to the school. Matrons order all repeat medications and store them in House. If a student sees a school nurse and a prescription is required, then the Nurse will contact Bangholm Medical Centre to start the process.
If a student requires a prescription out with term time, it is best they contact their local pharmacy first to discuss the options. There are lots of variations with prescriptions in Scotland.
For minor ailments, a local pharmacy can issue a prescription and medication without the need for a nurse or GP. More information can be found on the Pharmacy First website: www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/ pharmacy/nhs-pharmacy-first-scotland
Return 2 Play
Fettes College uses Return 2 Play as a tool to enhance our medical care. Return 2 Play enables us to provide a gold standard of care for every student by having access to the following:
1 Telemedicine Concussion Management. Access to daily (MonSat) year-round telemedicine clinics with the UK’s most experienced doctors. Sports doctor led management from Day 1 post injury to full recovery and clearance to return to full sport with unlimited access to appointments.
2 Access to sports doctor advice. Named doctor for all staff to contact for advice.
3 Injury Data Analysis. Annual injury review from by R2P Medical Team. Advice regarding injury prevention strategies and policies.
4 Sports injury education. Sessions for staff, parents and students.
R2P Injury Management System runs an automated communication when injury status changes to students/parents and House staff.
Please click here to find out more information about Return 2 Play.
services via matrons (
chargeable)
Dentist/Orthodontist/Opticians
These services can be booked through Matron and they will be able to book taxis or can accompany students if necessary to the relevant practice. As there are many such services available, we leave it to the parents and students to make an individual choice. Please contact Diane Davidson (Prep Senior Matron) for further information, at D.Davidson@fettes.com
Podiatry
• Routine podiatry (30 mins)
• Initial podiatry (30 mins)
• Follow-up (15 mins)
• Nail surgery
• Custom-made orthotics
• Off-the-shelf insoles (price varies dependent on brand)
• Clearanail management (fungal nails)
• Verruca treatment
Nail surgery fees include dressings and follow-up appointments.
Orthoses includes the fitting and also any follow-up appointments.
Physiotherapy
Physis, Graham Curlewis, 0131 478 4646 fettes@physis.uk.com
There are a few different options for students in need of some physio.
At first a child is referred to the Medical Centre to have an injury or pain looked at. On most occasions, this will mean a period “off-changing” from games with suitable strength and conditioning from our Strength and Conditioning Coach when appropriate. They and the medical team will liaise on the student’s progress and recommend if further physio is required.
additional support services
Counsellor: Service via CrossReach
Appointments can be made via Houseparent/Matron to the Medical Centre. CrossReach Counselling staff will be based in the school three days per week to provide counselling and therapeutic support. At the beginning of the therapy sessions, the counsellor will agree an initial contract with the child/young person to ensure they can understand what counselling can offer and what the boundaries of confidentiality are. Sessions will be weekly and last for one school period. Each client is initially offered a block of up to ten sessions which will be reviewed once sessions are underway. This can be extended through mutual agreement between the client and counsellor. The ultimate number of sessions offered is down to the counsellor’s clinical discretion, based on their assessment of client need. Unless otherwise agreed, ongoing sessions will not be offered to a student who fails to attend for three consecutive appointments.
Life Coach: Caroline Jack
(available for those in 2nd Form and above)
Appointments can be made through Houseparents or Tutors.
As a life coach, Caroline Jack helps and supports adults and teenagers with their mental and physical well-being and self-confidence by working one-onone over a period of weeks or months, helping to encourage self-belief and growth. Life coaching is all about moving people forward in their lives. It is not about focusing on the past, however getting context and acceptance of the past is important and allows people to understand themselves better. Life coaching is about allowing people to realise their potential and create a growth mindset so that they can enjoy the journey towards achievement. Caroline Jack is based in school on Wednesdays. Book through House staff and Mrs Bruce.
external support
Bookings are made following consultation with a Houseparent and the medical team.
Behavioural Consultant: Charlotta Holenstein
Charlotta works both directly and in a supervisory capacity with children and young people with a range of diagnoses including: developmental delay, autism, dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder and chromosomal abnormality. Currently, much of Charlotta’s work is with children and young people often referred to as “grey area” children/young people. These children/young people have no diagnoses and are typically in mainstream school. They may perform well in certain areas but struggle in others, whether their difficulties be social, behavioural or emotional. Charlotta provides one-to-one therapy for children/young people as well as consultation for families and schools in a number of areas including the following:
•Improving peer interaction skills
•Increasing social awareness
•Improving social skills
•Coping with fears and phobias
•Coping with bullying
•Increasing self-esteem
•Managing behaviour problems
•Improving daily living skills
•Improving organisational skills
•Increasing focus and attention
Child Therapy: Holly Allen, Mulberry House
Holly has worked as a young person and children’s counsellor in Edinburgh for over 10 years. Her expertise has allowed her to build safe, trusting relationships with clients. She understands that each client is unique and therefore uses her skills and experiences, which she has gained from studying, personal reflection, and working with various clients, to adapt and tailor each session to meet her client's needs.
Seeking counselling can be intimidating, especially for children and young people. However, Holly provides a warm and gentle approach to help them feel comfortable and safe. Initially, the process may seem daunting, but as they work without realizing it over time, they become stronger. Although the process may be slow and painful sometimes, it will undoubtedly lead to healing.
Holly enjoys using materials during her sessions, and she offers art materials, sensory toys, games, and music to make her clients feel more at ease. She adapts to each client's preferences to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Holly's experience as an Edinburgh counsellor has been primarily school-based, working at various local schools.
psychology
Bookings for the Psychologists are only made via the Medical Centre, following a review – please contact Emma Davies (Head of Pastoral Care) for further information ER.Davies@fettes.com
Childline
www.childline.org.uk
Free confidential help, advice, counselling and support
Breathing Space
www.breathingspace.scot
Confidential help and advice if you are feeling down or depressed
Care Inspectorate
www.careinspectorate.com
Working to improve care services
Child net
www.childnet.com
Promoting internet safety for young people
Thinkuknow
www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Promoting internet safety for young people
Kidscape
www.kidscape.org.uk
Information for young people on bullying
LGBT Youth Scotland
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
Access for all for help. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
Healthy Respect
www.healthyrespect.co.uk
Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, 2A Chalmers Street, EH3 9ES
RespectMe
www.respectme.org.uk
Scotland’s anti-bullying service
Papyrus
www.papyrus-uk.org
UK charity for the prevention of young suicide
YoungMinds
www.youngminds.org.uk
Fighting for young people’s mental health
Salvesen Mindroom Centre
Empowering children and young people with learning difficulties
