Understanding Pastoral Care – Responsibilities and Strategies for School Staff

About this module

This module will explore the very foundations of what pastoral care is, examining the national changes that have taken place, through to examining what this means for all school staff in schools today. It will build upon the role of a form tutor in a wider context of whole school pastoral care. It will then explore key evidence bases that all those involved in pastoral care on the front line should be aware of, combining these with practical strategies that can be implemented to enhance provision for students.

This module is suitable for new teachers/ECTs, those interested in pastoral career paths, non-teaching staff with pastoral input in school, and pastoral leaders.

Session 1: What is pastoral care, and how can it best contribute to effective school cultures? will explore:

• The origins of pastoral care in schools
• Wellbeing
• Ethos and culture
• High expectations

Session 2: Evidence informed pastoral strategies will explore:

• Combining theory and practice
• Interesting evidence bases – attendance, teaching and learning
• Evidence informed strategies for use in school – relationships, attendance, culture

• To understand the purpose of pastoral care
• To understand the role of classroom teachers and support staff in the whole school provision for your students
• To become familiar with key evidence bases relating to pastoral care
• To develop a range of strategies for use in school relating to pastoral care