Pastoral Care

All our support staff are carefully trained to listen, respond and act appropriately to any concerns pupils may have. There is a wealth of expertise and experience within our team that allows us to build positive relationships with pupils that significantly helps when delicate situations arise.  

Where appropriate, referrals to the Scottish Counselling Services may be jointly made in partnership with parents and their child(ren) alongside support staff. However pupils are also encouraged from age 12 to make self referrals in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC). You can read more about that here. Our partnership with Scottish Counselling Services has proven to be a fantastic one over the past two years that has led to many pupils accessing support quickly to the benefit of their mental health and well-being. To find out more about Scottish Counselling Services, please click here.  

Mikeysline have been a strong partner of KHS throughout the pandemic. They have offered us fantastic support during a very difficult time and many pupils have benefitted from meeting with volunteers and discussing their worries and concerns. Mikeysline were also a crucial partner during our two week trip to Loch Insh during May 2021. We are lucky to have them offering support in our school and look forward to future partnership working. To find out more about Mikeysline, please click here.

Alison Roy – English as an Additional Language Teacher (EAL)

Alison works as part of the EAL Highland Team supporting EAL pupils with their English language skills and delivering training for teaching staff.  She also teaches the SQA ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at National 5 and Higher level.  More information and resources for EAL pupils can be found at EAL Highland Blog.

Children's Services Workers may support in school and/or in the community but can also visit families at home to provide assistance and support with issues that can affect school performance. Their role is defined as “developing new and creative ways to nurture children either individually or in groups to help them to achieve the best they can."

Our work is centred on early intervention and focussed work with individuals or groups in relation to social skills, i.e. self-esteem, anger management, relationships, socialising, teamwork etc.

Our nurturing approach towards young people is part of our positive behaviour management policy within our school. All members of staff have been trained thoroughly in 'unconditional positive regard.' We are very aware that many pupils are experiencing a wide range of emotional and wellbeing adversities, particularly in the current pandemic. Some pupils have experienced trauma in their lives, which can lead to support staff making appropriate interventions and offers of support to allow individuals to full-fill their potential.  

Julia's role at KHS is to support pupils' social, emotional and behavioural development.  She focuses on early interventions to help pupils with strategies for stress management and relaxation, positive relationships and communication, dealing with feelings and emotional coaching. If you are a pupil and would like to be referred to see Julia, please see your Guidance Teacher. 

We are fortunate to be able to refer pupils to our Primary Mental Health Worker where early interventions can be utilised to have a positive impact on a person's wellbeing and mental health. 

The Pines, located in Inverness is a fantastic multi-agency team that supports families and children with neurological needs across the Highlands. They also support professionals needing specific advice to ensure we are meeting the needs of our pupils. For more information about the Pines, please click here.