Support, Care and Guidance at UTC Portsmouth

Our pastoral system ensures that every student is known, supported, and challenged to thrive - personally, socially and academically. The Support, Care and Guidance (CSG) team works closely with teaching staff, parents, and external agencies to promote the well-being, safety, and success of all students.


Meet the Team

  • Damien Edmondson - Assistant Principal, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Designated Teacher

  • Tammy Martin - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Pastoral Coordinator & Senior Mental Health Lead

  • Phillippa Ryder - Head of Sixth Form

  • Kyle Arthur - Head of Key Stage 4 / Director of Restorative Practice

  • Sharon George - Pastoral Administrator (KS5) and Attendance

  • Kelly Graham - Pastoral Administrator (KS4) and Attendance

  • Zara Hampton - Student Support Officer


Wellbeing and Mental Health

At UTC Portsmouth, we are committed to promoting a culture of openness and support around mental health. Our Senior Mental Health Lead, Tammy Martin, coordinates whole-college initiatives that include:

  • Drop-in wellbeing support and mentoring

  • Youth Mental Health Ambassador programme

  • Regular themed campaigns, such as Mental Health Week and Wear it Green Day

  • Collaboration with local services, including CAMHS and Talking Change

Students can also access a safe space in the Pastoral Support (PASS) area when they need a time-out or immediate help.


Young Carers

We recognise the unique responsibilities that young carers may carry and ensure that appropriate support is available.

Identification

Young carers are identified through:

  • Information from previous schools

  • Self-declaration on enrolment

  • Parental communication

  • Direct disclosure to staff or the safeguarding team

Support Offer

  • Individual mentoring each term

  • Drop-in sessions every other Tuesday afternoon

  • Academic, emotional, and social well-being support

  • Tailored guidance during exam periods

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

UTC Portsmouth is a fully inclusive college that supports all students to achieve their full potential. We recognise and value the full diversity of our learners and are committed to ensuring equal access to our curriculum, facilities and information. Our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENCO) is Claire Dickens, Assistant Principal, who works with students, parents and staff to coordinate support and ensure individual needs are met.

For more information, please contact Claire at senco@utcportsmouth.org and refer to our SEND Policy and Accessibility Plan within our policies page.


If you need help

Students can talk to any member of the pastoral team, their personal tutor, or a trusted teacher.

Parents and carers can contact the team directly via pastoral@utcportsmouth.org.