This paper explores experiences of pastoral staff, working in social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) special secondary schools, regarding the psychological impact of their work. To date, attention has been given to the educational experiences of pupils attending SEMH schools and teachers working with pupils with SEMH needs in mainstream…

The article will consider the challenges that pastoral care in education faces to ensure that it continues to make a positive contribution to the learning experience of children and young people living in the 21st century. It will discuss how in recent years the purpose of education has been questioned by writers and the implications this may have…

In this short reflection I propose a 'wishlist' of educator competences and strategies to develop good practice in pastoral care over the next forty years. The starting point for this examination is to consider the legacy of theory and practice from the twentieth century which I consider alongside recent global events to ascertain the trajectory…

The move from secondary education into higher education is an important life event for many young people, and such a dramatic change in environment and responsibility can bring with it significant new challenges. Reports and surveys outlining low levels of wellbeing amongst students are becoming more and more prevalent. Many universities provide a…

This paper reports on key findings from a mixed method study analysing how teachers in secondary schools (students aged 11-19) in London and South East England view and experience pastoral care provided to students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. In England there is statistical evidence which shows schools are increasingly…

The social and emotional wellbeing of all students, regardless of setting, is recognised as a fundamental requirement for successful learning and social development. The COVID-19 pandemic of the past two years has witnessed disruptions to teaching and learning and peer relationship development for students. Societies have been in lockdown;…

Despite an interactional analysis being able to offer valuable insight into the institutional workings of pastoral care practice, pastoral care delivery remains largely unstudied. This paper will contribute new knowledge to the field of counselling and education by offering an interactional analysis of one-to-one pastoral care provision within a…

This reflective piece was written in response to Best's article, published in Pastoral in Education in September 2014, on Michael Marland's seminal text "Pastoral Care." It uses examples from previously published work carried out by the author, to explore some of the key concepts and ideas explored within the book and their…

Pastoral care of teachers is concerned with their personal, individual recognition, needs and welfare. The concept dates back to the 1970s and has been elaborated in the literature in succeeding decades. This article attempts to draw together various outlines on the subject, focusing on what they suggest about how pastoral care of teachers can be…