What is Pastoral Care in Schools?
The pastoral department of any school is responsible for ensuring that all children are happy and healthy in a personal, social and academic sense. It is necessary to guarantee every child’s safety and contentment during their school years, while also ensuring they each reach their full potential. With that in mind, it will be quite clear when a pastoral department is or isn’t working well within a school. Either way, it is a chance for teachers to really make a personal difference amongst their students. A senior school in Surrey explores in more detail below.
Pastoral care and parenting share many similarities, but also a lot of differences. Both roles involve protecting children from harm and dealing with any problems as they arise, such as a bullying issue or anything else that might cause emotional or physical distress. However, pastoral care is far more complicated because it involves caring for a whole school, not just a few children. There must be several policies and procedures in place to ensure that a pastoral department within a school is working effectively. It must engage every student so that no child is unfairly treated or neglected.
Successful pastoral care will help all students develop constructive self-esteem and the ability to set and reach for realistic goals and take risks in a healthy manner. Essentially, it will ensure all students are working on their strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses. Children should, as a result, perform well academically, as well as within their personal pursuits. In fact, research does clarify a link between good pastoral care and the progress of the students.
Pastoral care looks after each student as an individual but also as a member of a wider community. It helps each child find a sense of belonging while also celebrating achievements and providing necessary guidance. If you require more information about the pastoral care in your child’s school, don’t be afraid to contact them to discuss.
