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Student Wellbeing


At CAST, we recognise that every student is a unique individual.

We firmly believe that as educators, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we serve. Our aim is to create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential—regardless of their ability, background, culture, beliefs, or any additional needs. Reflecting our values of respect, resilience and responsibility, we want students to be challenged, to persist in the face of difficulty and to become resilient in overcoming obstacles.

We set high expectations and have ambitious aspirations for all our students. Our focus is on preparing them for life beyond school by recognising, nurturing, and celebrating their individual talents and strengths. We are committed to providing a happy, caring, and well-structured environment where high-quality teaching, learning, and personal development can flourish.

At CAST, we are dedicated to developing confident, capable citizens who are ready to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. We equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed choices about their futures. Each student during daily tutor time will participate in activities such as the reading programme and assemblies, which are part of our Wider Curriculum offer. The tutor is the first point of contact for students and parents if they are experiencing any problems in school.

When extra support is required tutors can refer to our experienced pastoral team. We are incredibly proud to deliver an Education with Character; an education which challenges, inspires and excites our students. 

We value strong partnerships between students, parents, staff, governors, and the wider community. Our teaching and support staff work collaboratively to ensure that students remain at the heart of everything we do. We strive to make every learning experience meaningful, engaging, and where possible, inspiring and challenging - Every Lesson Counts.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, typically before the age of 18. These experiences can include abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), neglect, and household challenges such as parental separation, substance misuse, mental illness, or domestic violence. Research has shown that ACEs can have a significant impact on a child’s development, affecting their physical and mental health, behaviour, and ability to learn. The more ACEs a child experiences, the greater the risk of long-term negative outcomes, including chronic health conditions, difficulties in education, and challenges in forming healthy relationships. Understanding ACEs is crucial for educators and caregivers, as it helps inform a compassionate, trauma-aware approach that supports resilience and promotes positive outcomes for all young people.

Resources

Kooth and Qwell

Students and their families can access online wellbeing support through a trusted NHS provider Kooth Digital Health. Kooth.com is for young people aged 11-18 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and Qwell.io is for adults aged 18+. The free, safe and anonymous support includes text based chat support with professional counsellors available 365 days a year, 12pm -10pm on weekdays and 6pm-10pm at weekends. Also available are helpful articles, self-help tools and moderated discussion forums to help connect with a supportive community.  Sign up is simple and takes only a few minutes and you can access help today.

Centre 33 – Supporting Young People Across Cambridgeshire

Centre 33 is a trusted local charity offering free and confidential support to young people aged 13 to 25 across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Their services are designed to help with a wide range of issues including mental healthemotional wellbeinghousing and homelessnesssexual healthmoney and benefits, and caring responsibilities.

Centre 33 believes that every young person deserves to be listened to without judgement. Whether your child needs someone to talk to, practical advice, or emotional support, Centre 33 is there to help. They offer drop-in sessions at various hubs, counselling (including in schools), and a dedicated Young Carers Project to support children and young people who care for family members.

Key Services for Young People
  • Mental health and emotional support
  • Free counselling (including in schools)
  • Housing and homelessness advice
  • Sexual health services
  • Support with money, jobs, and benefits
  • Help for young carers
How to Get in Touch

The OLLIE Foundation

The OLLIE Foundation is a suicide prevention charity offering training, resources, and emotional support to parents, carers, and young people. Founded by parents who experienced the tragic loss of a child to suicide, OLLIE provides free online and in-person workshops, including mindful art sessions, wellbeing talks, and suicide prevention training. Their approach is compassionate and practical, helping families feel more confident in supporting their children through emotional distress.