What is the Purpose of Pastoral Care in Schools
In schools, pastoral care is one of the most important aspects of the educational system. It seeks to provide support to students outside the conventional academic setting. It is a practice that aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every student in the school. This includes their emotional wellbeing and social needs. All schools should be aware that each pupil is different, and some may be in need of extra emotional support along their educational journey. A successful pastoral care programme can be evidenced through students feeling safe, happy and confident in the school premises. Students having the freedom to comfortably work towards their academic goals is part of this. Happy pupils are ready to work towards anything as they feel assured knowing they will be supported by staff no matter what. Pastoral care can go beyond academic success and is mostly focuses on a pupil’s holistic development. Below is a guide, where we will explore the purpose of pastoral care in schools and the different ways in which it benefits students and the education system as a whole.
What makes for great pastoral care in schools?
When it comes to different academic establishments, pastoral care can look slightly different when comparing. However, good pastoral care as a whole understands one important aspect, the child’s needs are at the centre of operation. This is usually done by ensuring children feel comfortable when they talk to teachers and different members of staff or have the opportunity to talk to adults who specialise in pastoral care, about any issues that they might be having. This could be done in one-to-one sessions or regular drop-in sessions with trained staff. However, it is important to remember that not every child will be comfortable with reaching out to teachers who at first will feel like strangers to them. If students are unaware of the benefits of pastoral care in schools, they also may not make the efforts of talking to a teacher when they are in need of support. This is why it is so important for teachers to be able to pick up on subtle hints that a child may be having an issue with their well-being. Good pastoral care in a school is often practiced through helping students plan for their future. By listening to students concerns and giving them guidance, they will be able to support them on their journey towards success in the future.
Safety and care
Another purpose of pastoral care in schools is to ensure that students are provided with a safe and caring environment. It is evident that schools are expected to be a safe space where students have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop in an environment that is supportive and nurturing. Pastoral care in schools play a very important role in ensuring that students are protected from any harm or abuse, both in and outside the school. This includes physical, emotional and mental abuse. It is through this care that is provided by schools that students are taught how to recognise any forms of bullying, discrimination or harassment. Schools will provide them with the support needed to deal with it and will educate students on how to report it.
Positive behavior
Pastoral care in schools is more than just teachers and staff being there to keep students protected and happy. It is also means for promoting positive behaviour in the establishment and instilling good values in all students. By providing students with the right guidance and support, pastoral care can help individuals gain a sense of responsibility for their actions. It also is a great way to promote inclusivity, where all students are treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs.
