I have always advocated the use of non-teaching support adults for children who have issues during the day. Too often teachers are constrained by time issues, the need to gain respect, keep distance, compliance requirements in the behaviour programme etc and all this can lead to rushed outcomes, unlistened to children and frustration all round.
So it's good to see we are celebrating the great practice of using pastoral managers. These non-teaching staff are pivotal in raising self-esteem, reducing stress and increasing the inclusivity for those children who find managing a full school day without crises impossible. They can also spend that extra bit of time that can make all the difference to a child's day.
The pastoral manager is often a quality teaching assistant - more likely in the primary schools and sometimes is a member of the teaching staff - more often in the secondary schools. Their goal is to be there when needed - on demand for both the child and the teacher. They may be able to resolve the issue with a quiet chat, perhaps outside the classroom, away from prying ears, or they may need some extended time, perhaps in a support room. The latter is vital to allow privacy and to let the children release any tensions they may have without others judging.
The role of the pastoral manager also can take pressure of senior managers who may have to deal with escalated issues that really need not get to this level. If the intervention is well managed, issues can be deal with in a matter of minutes.
Please read more from the TES article 'Lean on me'
First published 6 Dec 2009
So it's good to see we are celebrating the great practice of using pastoral managers. These non-teaching staff are pivotal in raising self-esteem, reducing stress and increasing the inclusivity for those children who find managing a full school day without crises impossible. They can also spend that extra bit of time that can make all the difference to a child's day.
The pastoral manager is often a quality teaching assistant - more likely in the primary schools and sometimes is a member of the teaching staff - more often in the secondary schools. Their goal is to be there when needed - on demand for both the child and the teacher. They may be able to resolve the issue with a quiet chat, perhaps outside the classroom, away from prying ears, or they may need some extended time, perhaps in a support room. The latter is vital to allow privacy and to let the children release any tensions they may have without others judging.
The role of the pastoral manager also can take pressure of senior managers who may have to deal with escalated issues that really need not get to this level. If the intervention is well managed, issues can be deal with in a matter of minutes.
Please read more from the TES article 'Lean on me'
First published 6 Dec 2009