Pastoral Care
Children and young people need to feel safe and secure, both physically and emotionally, when they are in school. They need to learn in an environment that is conducive to learning and in which they feel valued and respected
The challenge for schools in helping children and young people to benefit to the full from their education is to acknowledge that education is about the whole child
Everything possible must be done to remove the obstacles to successful learning. Teachers must equip young people with the confidence and skills to be effective learners and effective members of the community.
They deserve to be appreciated for their achievements, however modest, and to feel confident in their ability to improve
The Role of Teachers
Good teachers have always had a concern for the care and welfare of children and young people. In the primary school, the close relationship between a teacher and her class has resulted naturally in the teacher’s knowing each child as an individual
Similarly, in early years services, the nursery nurse or teacher has a special relationship with children and parents
Teachers of Pastoral Care in the secondary school work hard to support children and young people individually. They work closely with parents/guardians, link with social workers, psychologists, careers staff and a range of professionals as well as monitor progress and welfare
Pastoral Responsibilities
The agreement reached following the publication of the McCrone Report formalises the pastoral responsibilities of all teachers
The duties of every teacher include:
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promoting and safeguarding the health, welfare and safety of young people
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working in partnership with parents support staff and other professionals
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providing advice and guidance to pupils on issues related to their education
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contributing towards good order and the wider needs of the school
Vulnerable Children
Young people who are considered to be ‘at risk’ require additional care and attention
Glasgow’s Psychological Service works closely with schools to support pupils and families, and to support teachers in identifying and implementing strategies appropriate to the needs of the individual young person
Many schools have regular meetings of a Child Support Team/Joint Assessment Team. This is a multi-agency forum at which needs of particular young people are reviewed by the professionals, and strategies and approaches considered
Any enquiries to:
Pastoral Care Adviser
Education Services
Wheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
Phone: 0141 287 3959
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