In any successful educational environment, academic success must go hand-in-hand with emotional wellbeing. At TEMS, this belief is deeply embedded in every corner of school life. But what is pastoral care in schools, and why does it matter so much?

At its heart, pastoral care in schools refers to the systems, support and structures in place that ensure every child feels safe, respected, and valued.

It’s about far more than managing behaviour or enforcing rules—it’s about developing the whole child. From the day students arrive until the day they leave us, this approach is clearly evident in both philosophy and daily practice.

What is pastoral care in schools?

We sat down with Dean Shanks, Behaviour Management Coordinator for Juniors at TEMS, who is also an integral part of the school’s overall pastoral care team. His passion for the subject is evident as he explains:

“Officially I’m the Behaviour Management Coordinator in Juniors, but I work closely with Cynthia, Jess and Abby as part of our wider pastoral team. Our focus is ensuring that children are happy, healthy and safe at school and that the children feel listened to and supported socially.”

So, what is pastoral care in schools from a child’s point of view? Ideally, it means every pupil has at least one trusted adult they can approach with any concern whether it’s a disagreement with a friend or anxiety about schoolwork. Pastoral care in schools is about creating an environment where students feel known, understood and cared for.

More than discipline: the true scope of pastoral care

Often, outsiders assume that pastoral care is simply another word for discipline. But in reality, it covers a broad spectrum of student needs. “It’s about encouraging children to be confident, caring and kind,” says Dean. “Confident enough to speak up and look for a solution to problems, confident enough to ask for help when they need it, able to have respectful conversations with their peers and teachers. Being open and tolerant to the world around them,” he adds.

Why is pastoral care important in schools today?

This well-rounded approach is especially vital in today’s world. With pressures from social media and modern society, many young people face emotional challenges that affect their learning and wellbeing. Why is pastoral care important in schools today? Simply put, it’s because without emotional security, children cannot thrive.

“Growing up myself, I found it difficult to communicate with adults,” Dean shares. “This is something I ensure I find time for every day; ‘checking in’ with children to ensure they are comfortable at school. The world is constantly changing, and we need to adapt to the pressures that things like social media can put on young people.”

These daily check-ins are a small but powerful example of the commitment to holistic care at TEMS, whether students are in Infants, Juniors, Seniors, or Pre-University, where they will be studying towards their A-Levels, IBDP, or Spanish Bachillerato.

Real-life examples of pastoral care in schools

So, what are some practical examples of pastoral care in schools? At TEMS, there’s a particularly impactful initiative known as the “confidentiality box.” It allows children to write down any problems they’re facing, describe how they’ve tried to handle it, and identify someone they’d like to talk to. “I check that box every day,” says Dean. “Even if a conversation can’t immediately happen, each child who writes a note is spoken to, so they feel listened to. This is then followed up at the appropriate time.”

Initiatives like this are more than symbolic—they’re tangible examples of pastoral care in schools that show students their voices matter. They also build trust, allowing children to feel safe enough to speak openly, knowing that what they share will be respected and acted upon.

The 7 functions of pastoral care

The benefits of such an approach are far-reaching. Children who feel seen and supported are more likely to behave positively, participate actively in lessons, and form healthy relationships. This is why understanding the 7 functions of pastoral care is crucial for every modern school. These functions include:

  • Promoting emotional wellbeing
  • Developing social skills
  • Protecting students
  • Fostering inclusion
  • Supporting academic progress
  • Building community
  • Encouraging personal development

Why TEMS stands out in pastoral care provision

We are proud to be a school where pastoral care is not an afterthought but a foundational pillar. “I hope visitors would notice the caring atmosphere in each of our classrooms,” says Dean. “The way that children interact with each other and with the adults around them is very healthy. Children should feel listened to and respected. I firmly believe that our school is a happy one.”

This strong sense of community is one of many reasons why TEMS is an outstanding choice for families looking for a high-quality English school with a Montessori approach. With a structured yet compassionate approach to behaviour, emotional support and child wellbeing, pastoral care truly sets the school apart.

In conclusion, why is pastoral care important in schools? Because every child deserves to be treated as a whole person—not just a student. Pastoral care in schools helps students feel secure, understood and valued. And when that happens, true learning can flourish.