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Come and visit Clayesmore to experience first hand our warm, friendly culture and find out more about our excellent educational and pastoral ethos.
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Our Health & Wellbeing Centre was established in September 2021 following the merger of the prep and senior school health centres. Led by Sam Hillyard (RMN, DDSL), who has been with Clayesmore since 2010, the team includes three nurses (Gen, Emily, and Fliss), three matrons (Holly, Hilary, and Sandra), and Andrea, our administration assistant. We also have June, our dedicated cleaner, who keeps the centre spotless.
Our goal is to be the hub of health and wellbeing at Clayesmore. By providing comprehensive medical care, mental health support, and wellbeing initiatives, we strive to meet the evolving needs of our school community.
The centre offers a safe space for pupils feeling unwell, with two three-bedded rooms, two private ensuite rooms, and a comfortable lounge for resting or studying. We operate an open-door policy throughout the day and early evening, with overnight support available. Pupils are given a call bell for assistance at any time.
We provide first aid cover at school events and sports matches, moving around site via golf buggy and communicating via walkie-talkies. Medical flags indicate our location, and an outdoor classroom is available for shelter when needed. On busy days, first-line responders assist our team.
Clayesmore works closely with Quarter Jack Surgery in Wimborne, offering weekly GP clinics for boarding pupils and day pupils requiring medical care. Our nurses have access to SystmOne to update NHS records, request prescriptions, and liaise with GPs. We ensure strict adherence to our concussion policy and provide medical reviews, including asthma, ADHD, and OCP checks. Immunisation training enables us to deliver vaccines on-site.
We work closely with boarding house parents and attend pastoral monitoring meetings to support pupils from Year 2 to Year 13. Our team provides daily emotional support, and in April 2022, we expanded our provision by employing Anna, a counsellor, for three days a week. We also work with Jane (self-employed counsellor) and Nicky (trainee counsellor), offering pupils a choice in their support. An online counselling room ensures privacy for virtual appointments.
Staff wellbeing is a priority, with initiatives such as mindfulness sessions led by a Tibetan monk and ceramics classes. Sam sits on the JCC, ensuring support staff have a voice in school developments.
For parents, our Saturday morning café, "The Writers’ Block," hosts Coffee & Catch-Up sessions, covering topics like body image and children’s mental health. These have been hugely popular, fostering discussion and support among parents.
Come and visit Clayesmore to experience first hand our warm, friendly culture and find out more about our excellent educational and pastoral ethos.
Register Now
Clayesmore School, Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset. DT11 8LL.
Clayesmore School (HMC, IAPS, ISBA) is a registered company in England and Wales registered at Iwerne Minster, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8LL.
(Registered Company No: 359779 – Charity Registration No: 306214 – VAT No: 186834226). Site & content © 2021 Clayesmore School. All rights reserved.