Pastoral Care

An effective Pastoral Care policy and programme is closely linked to the Learning Area of Personal Development/Learning for Life and Work in the Revised Curriculum. Personal Development is the taught element of Pastoral Care and therefore contributes to the school structures that promote the general welfare of the pupils.It is primarily concerned with equipping the pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills to become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. It is about encouraging each child to become personally, emotionally, socially and physically effective, to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives. 

 

The Pastoral Care and Personal Development/Learning for Life and Work Team can offer schools advice and guidance on a school’s statutory requirements in relation to Pastoral Care, including areas such as anti bullying and support with the Child Protection policy. The team can also help the school to audit their Pastoral Care provision and practice, using the framework provided by the eti’s Together Towards Improvement document. This support can be at a whole staff level or by working with the Pastoral Care coordinator.

 

School Development Plans now include a section where the school should make an assessment of the health and wellbeing of both staff and pupils and many school are addressing staff issues in conjunction with Pastoral Care. The team has supported schools in doing this and developing strategies to suit the needs and circumstances of individual schools.