New to Role – Effective Pastoral Lead

Course introduction

Now more than ever, pastoral care systems in schools/colleges play a key role in the social and emotional development of children and young people, but especially for those who are vulnerable. Pastoral care in education has the potential to enhance children/young people’s opportunity to be connected and to develop their resources of strength, whether within themselves, or in the people and systems around them.

This new to role effective pastoral lead course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in this role. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role of pastoral leads including reviewing pastoral issues and common problems. Time will be spent identifying and addressing children/young people’s wellbeing issues early and ways to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for all. Whether you are new to the role, looking to refresh your knowledge, or part of SLT, this training will provide you with information and practical ideas you can start using right away with confidence and enthusiasm. There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges with the trainer and network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Define the role of a pastoral lead and the importance of pastoral care;

• Apply effective communication techniques and build positive relationships;

• Recognise and address children/young people’s wellbeing issues proactively;

• Learn ways to create a safe and supportive school/college environment;

• Manage challenging situations confidently, from addressing bullying to handling mental health concerns;

• Understand safeguarding procedures and fulfil legal responsibilities while collaborating with external agencies;

• Learn ways to build strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues;

• Unpick effective ways to work with other departments e.g. SEN/ALN, Safeguarding;

• Develop a personal action plan for ongoing professional development and self-care.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who works directly or indirectly with pupils/students and wants to provide support and gain an understanding regarding the role of Pastoral Lead.  Ideal for school-based staff including: Pastoral care staff, pastoral lead, headteachers, teachers, deputy headteachers, SENCo/ALNCo, classroom assistants, heads of houses, support staff, family liaison officers, mental health leads, behaviour leads, education welfare officers and safeguarding leads.

Trainers for this course

Kelly Hannaghan

Kelly puts wellbeing at the heart of education. She is an award-winning motivational speaker and school improvement advisor, published author and founder of ‘Family Matters’ empower...ment programme.

Kelly has worked systemically with some of the most challenging communities, helping families thrive in difficult circumstances. She advises in the development of staff wellbeing to improve teacher retention and embeds purposeful strategies to support School Leader’s emotional health. Kelly is an advocate for Senior Mental Health Leads and helps drive school development processes forward, whilst creating outstanding outcomes and awards for many organisations. She is a trailblazer within the Wellbeing Lead Network for supporting pastoral teams. Her work is recognised by the DfE, NCB, The Anna Freud Centre and The Education Support Partnership as a lead influencer of mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is currently leading on the DFE Wellbeing for Education Return Programme within Kent County Council.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“Fantastic personality, keeping it light with the appropriate humour in between subjects. I would say I will feel confident in my ability to fulfil my role as a Pastoral lead effectively with the added experience from attending this course. I will definitely consider NSM Training & Consultancy again in the future for further training.”

“The Role of the Pastoral Leader training through the NSM Training & Consultancy is extremely worthwhile. Very informative with a huge amount of resources recommended throughout the day.”

“The Role of the Pastoral Leader is a great course. Very insightful and really nice that the course allows open conversation between all participants and lead speaker.”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school.
• Please Note – the cost is per person