Pastoral support is an important part of our work at Portsmouth SCITT. You will always be able to talk to someone, whether that is your mentor, link tutor or a member of the core team. We check in with trainees regularly and encourage open conversations about wellbeing. Our aim is to make sure you feel supported, listened to and able to ask for help whenever you need it.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed, we encourage you to speak to us as soon as you can. We have a lot of experience supporting trainees through busy periods, and small adjustments often make a big difference. While deadlines and expectations are important, we know that life does not always run to plan. We will work with you to find practical solutions that help you stay on track

Yes. We understand that trainees who are parents or carers may have extra pressures, and we look at individual needs on a case-by-case basis. We encourage open communication so that we can offer the right support when it is needed.

You will have a link tutor who follows your progress throughout the year and is a key point of contact for any concerns. You can also speak to a member of the core team at any time. We take concerns seriously and will work with you to resolve issues quickly and sensitively.

We understand that unexpected situations arise. Occasional days off can usually be managed, and any missed content can be picked up afterwards. If you need a longer period of time away from your placement, we may need to extend your final placement or continue your training into the next academic year. We will guide you through this and make sure you understand your options.

There is no fixed number of days. The impact of any absence depends on when it happens, how much subject knowledge or school experience has been missed and whether there is enough time in the year for you to catch up. We look at each situation individually and will work with you to understand what support you may need. If a longer period of absence means key elements of the course cannot be completed, we may need to adjust your timeline or extend your training so that you meet all the required standards. 

Although Portsmouth SCITT trainees cannot access the University of Chichester hardship fund, we will always try to support trainees who are facing financial difficulties. If you are struggling, please speak to us so we can look at your situation on a case-by-case basis.

You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage. If you would like support during the application or interview process, please let us know when you apply. For adjustments during the programme, you can speak to a member of the core team or your link tutor. We will listen carefully, discuss your needs with you and work with the placement school to put appropriate support in place.

Adjustments are planned around individual needs, and may include:

• adapting written materials or resources
• allowing extra time for tasks or deadlines
• modifying placement activities
• adjusting the timetable
• supporting access needs within the school building or training venues

We will always consider what is reasonable and practical to ensure you can take part fully in training and school placements.

If your circumstances change, you can speak to your link tutor or any member of the core team. We encourage you to talk to us as soon as possible so we can review your support and adjust it where needed. Our approach is flexible, and we aim to respond quickly to changes in your situation.