Pastoral Care

Definition

Pastoral Care is a set of systems, procedures and programmes which attempts to meet the totality of needs of the children in our care, allowing them to develop to their full potential, equipped with the necessary skills to cope in life. Pastoral Care addresses children’s personal, social, emotional, spiritual, mental and physical needs and fosters positive relationships.

Pastoral Care at St. Patrick's P.S., Eskra

We at St. Patrick’s P.S., Eskra endeavour to create a caring community wherein the spiritual, personal, academic, social and physical potential of each child will be developed to the full. The pastoral dimension includes the whole school community of Governors, staff, pupils, parents and visitors and is reflected in the day-to-day organisational teaching and learning procedures, which take place. Therefore pupils and adults must co-operate with and value each other, thus creating a supportive atmosphere wherein self-esteem and confidence are promoted.

The quality of Pastoral Care influences the ethos and tone of the whole school. It creates an atmosphere in which children feel secure, know that they are valued and are encouraged in their learning, growth and social development within a healthy and safe environment.

It will inform and reassure parents that their children are being educated in a safe and caring atmosphere. Pastoral Care in St. Patrick’s Primary School is based on the principles of good relationships and mutual respect.

At St.Patrick’s Pastoral Care permeates all aspects of school life. It reflects the values, attitudes, beliefs and practices of our school community and involves all members of that community- child, parents and all other adults, who contribute to the well-being of each child.

The atmosphere of our school is based upon good relationships between staff, pupils and parents. As a staff we work as a team, respecting each others’ roles and recognising individual talents and expertise. We are concerned with the individual needs and overall well-being of each child.

We recognise and value the important role which parents play in their child’s education. Every effort is made to ensure that parents feel welcome, that they are made aware of the school’s aims, objectives and policies and of their child’s individual needs, progress and achievements. We expect our parents to co-operate with us to achieve these goals.

Pastoral Care

Staff and Governors are committed to:

Providing a safe, secure, stimulating learning environment.

Ensuring that the needs and aspirations of pupils are at the heart of all decision-making.

Providing high standards of teaching and learning.

Self-evaluation and the raising of standards.

Enabling staff and pupils to express their views and ensuring that their views are taken into account.

Developing self-esteem and self-confidence and to encouraging an appreciation of personal achievements and aspirations.

Creating an inclusive environment where diversity among individuals is embraced, celebrated and responded to and equal opportunities are available to all.

Fostering, in partnership with parents and pupils, a system of pastoral care which promotes respect for oneself, others and the environment and which develops important values such as self-discipline, honesty, kindness and forgiveness.

Ensuring that each pupil leaves our school equipped, as far as he/she is personally capable, with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes necessary for living in a changing environment.

To promote the development of a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle.

Establishing a creative and secure educational partnership between the school, the home, the parish and the wider community.

Developing a love for learning and a motivation to ask questions and to make informed decisions and to prepare pupils to take a positive role in future learning, beyond St. Patrick’s P.S.

Ensure that each child has a respect for and a commitment to their faith. That they are able to pray and have developed a sense of a relationship with God and a sense of belonging to a faith community.

‘The quality of pastoral care provided by this school is outstanding.’

(ETI Inspection April 2014)