Thailand, Phuket
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Social and emotional learning is supported through the work of the Student Support Team, which includes counsellors and pastoral staff. The school provides classroom-based Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE). Homeroom teachers and pastoral coordinators monitor students' wellbeing and support character development through learner attributes such as resilience, respect, and collaboration. Peer mentoring and house activities also help to build emotional and social skills.
HeadStart defines students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) as those experiencing significantly greater learning difficulties than peers. These may include difficulties in academic attainment, communication, emotional intelligence, or physical impairments. The Learning Support Coordinator leads identification, assessment, and intervention following UK Code of Practice procedures. Support includes Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) developed with families and teachers, and regular reviews. The school provides support for mild to moderate needs and may guide families to alternative provisions if a student's needs exceed in-school resources. AEN services incur additional fees.
The school mentions that it provides support for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) on its website. However, it does not publicly disclose specific details about the provision, staff, or structure of the EAL programme at the Cherngtalay campus.
HeadStart offers a counselling service led by qualified school counsellors based in the Student Support Office. Support is available for issues such as stress, low mood, anxiety, relationships, grief, and school-related concerns. Counselling is open to all students, with particular focus on at-risk students and those with additional needs. Counsellors also work on resilience-building through mindfulness, coaching, and growth mindset strategies. The counselling team collaborates with homeroom teachers, academic leaders, and safeguarding staff to ensure student wellbeing is prioritised.
Safeguarding at HeadStart is the responsibility of all staff, volunteers, and community members. The school maintains systems such as a Designated Safeguarding Person, a Student Concern Committee, a Staff Code of Conduct, and other supporting policies. All staff undergo induction and training on safeguarding expectations. The school follows Safer Recruitment practices, including background checks for employees, and has procedures for managing allegations of abuse. Safeguarding policies align with UK and Thai legislation and the standards of accrediting bodies. Systems are also in place for students to raise concerns, with staff acting in the best interests of the child at all times.
Located in central Phuket, HeadStart International School’s Chaofah City Campus offers a British-style education for children aged 2–18. Following the English National Curriculum, the school prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE and A Level or BTEC pathways. Its campus features classrooms, two football pitches, a 25m swimming pool, tennis courts, science labs, and theatres. Standout programs include the Eco School initiative, empowering students to lead sustainability efforts and collaborate on environmental projects. The CAPA program enables expression in music, drama, and art, with termly showcases. Languages taught include Thai, Mandarin, French, and Russian. Students enjoy ) a wide variety of enrichment clubs, and a comprehensive transport service. With teachers from the UK, Australia, and the US, and a strong emphasis on academic and personal development, the school is well-suited to international families seeking continuity and quality education in Thailand.
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