Understanding the teacher's pastoral role

This chapter explores the pastoral role of the teacher. It recognises the important links between a child’s social and emotional well-being and their academic progress. As a teacher, you will need to be aware of the challenges some children face and how this can have an impact on how well they can access the teaching and learning in school. By developing an understanding of these challenges, you will be able to shape your teaching approaches and strategies. The current focus of the National Curriculum (Department for Education, 2013) in particular, is subject-specific. This knowledge based curriculum provides a breadth of opportunities for children to develop their skills and understanding. However the pastoral element of learning, which promotes well-being and personal development, is not as explicit in Department for Education guidance. In this unit, you will be able to reflect on what you can do to incorporate experiences for children that address areas such as safeguarding and emotional and social well-being. An overview of expectations of, and guidance for, teachers identified in legislation will be discussed. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how personal issues can impact on a child’s school life and what the teacher needs to consider, and do, to support the child through challenging circumstances