Introduction
The Somerset Pastoral Support Plan (PSP) helps education settings support children and young people whose behaviour is making school difficult. It helps schools understand what is behind the behaviour and find ways to help. The PSP can be used for children with or without SEND. It is often used when there is a risk of suspension or exclusion.
The plan helps schools:
- Understand what may be causing the behaviour
- Listen to the child, their family and staff
- Build on the child’s strengths
- Put the right support in place
- Check what is working and make changes when needed
This is in line with DfE guidance:
Schools should, as far as possible, anticipate likely triggers of misbehaviour and put in place support to prevent these. (DfE, 2022, page 15)
Where suspensions are becoming a regular occurrence for a pupil, headteachers and schools should consider whether suspension alone is an effective sanction for the pupil. And whether additional strategies need to be put in place to address behaviour. (DfE, 2023)
What makes a good Pastoral Support Plan
A good PSP will be led by the education setting and should:
- Include the views of the child or young person and their parent carers
- Look at patterns in behaviour and what may trigger it
- Consider the child’s experiences, including any trauma or difficult life events
- Check whether the child may have SEND and needs extra support
- Bring together the right people from school and other services
- Be reviewed regularly to make sure it is helping
The PSP has three stages which are shown below.
Stage 1: Gather information
This stage helps everyone understand the child’s needs and what may be affecting their behaviour.
Information is collected about:
- Behaviour patterns and triggers
- Any SEND needs
- Parent carer views
- The child or young person’s views
Questions might include:
- When does the child do well at school?
- What situations are difficult?
- What helps them feel safe and successful?
- What changes would the child and family like to see?
The checklist of things to consider and why is available in the downloads section below.
Stage 2: Pastoral Support Plan meeting
The school leads a meeting with the family, school staff and other professionals if needed. It will take at least 1 hour, in person, and be in a place everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Together, they:
- Share what they have learned
- Agree the main concerns
- Decide what support will help
- Create an action plan with clear responsibilities
The action plan template is available in the downloads section below.
Once the plan is in place, staff should check progress regularly. These short check-ins help everyone see what is working and what may need to change. Staff should talk with the child or young person and the adults supporting them. This helps them celebrate small successes and find solutions to any problems.
Stage 3: Review
Everyone meets again to check progress. This meeting should last 45 to 60 minutes and should take place in person.
The review looks at:
- What has gone well
- What still needs support
- Whether any changes are needed to the plan
The review template is available in the downloads section below.
