In order to achieve academically, children need to have their emotional, physical, social and mental health needs met in the school setting. A pastoral care team is responsible for providing the right environment for children to flourish in every aspect. This might consist of a number of different staff members performing a particular pastoral role, depending on the size of the school. Read on to learn about the vital role pastoral care teams play in schools from a private school in Kensington.
Improved attendance and engagement
The pastoral team is the link between a student who isn’t attending and the school, intervening in cases of persistent non-attendance to try and find out the reasons and resolve any problems. They’ll often arrange meetings with parents, sometimes including other organisations, to get to the root of the problem. Taking this time to understand reasons for poor attendance is crucial in getting children back to school and engaging with their education once they’re there.
A sense of community
Having a robust pastoral care team in place helps foster a sense of community and belonging within schools. If children feel that there’s always someone they can talk to about any problems they’re having, they’re more likely to feel safe and secure enough to reach their potential. This also helps with children’s social skills as they’re encouraged to talk to members of the pastoral team and wider school community about issues that matter to them. Your child might find they’re paired up with a mentor or buddy to help them adjust to school if they’re new to it, which contributes to an effective pastoral system.
Increased confidence
Talking to pastoral staff about their problems and getting appropriate support helps children work through any difficulties and boosts their self-esteem in the process. Pastoral staff can provide specific guidance on particular issues or refer children to someone else who can help. They know where the right support can be found. Having someone listen to them helps children feel valued as important members of the school community, which also increases their confidence when interacting with others.
Good mental health
Bottling things up isn’t good for our mental health, so it can be hard for children to deal with stressful events if they don’t have someone they can talk to and confide in. Pastoral care staff can bridge that gap and refer children to specialist support if needed. They can identify the signs that children are suffering with poor mental health and take action before things spiral out of control.
What are your thoughts on Pastoral care in schools?
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About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,