Pastoral Support Plans
Pastoral Support Plans (PSP's) are normally implemented by schools but sometimes are introduced by members of the Local Authority who work with a school or specialist placement.
Pastoral Support Plans are introduced when it is decided that for various reasons a pupil requires additional and specific support and where other options have been tried and have been found not to work.
These reasons can be varied. It can be for example to ensure a pupil remains in school for the whole of the school day. They can be put in place when a pupil has difficulties with work expectations from the school, or it can be for various welfare reasons.
The plans can be introduced for any pupil, not only for those with Special Educational Needs. One difference however is that pupils who have Special Educational Needs (and pupils who are in Public Care) will already have their own additional support plans or reviews. (IEPs).
In these cases, a Pastoral Support Plan should sit within the existing review arrangements for the child and should not exist on it's own as a separately operating strategy. In these cases it is imperative that a plan is introduced, agreed and reviewed on a regular basis by all of those involved with the pupil, rather than a single individual or an isolated Pastoral Support Team within a school for example. The operation, supervision and monitoring of the PSP would however be by the PSP team or a team member.
In any case, the pupil's parents/carers should be fully informed about this process. The reasons for the decision to implement a plan should be made clear, always identifying the positive outcomes and expectations, rather than the negative outcomes and any sanctions. Parents should be informed about meetings and identified targets set. They should also be told about the review periods and any reward scheme to encourage achievement.
In cases where behavioural difficulties and problems are identified then a Behavioural Support Plan may be introduced instead.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your child's school and ask to speak to their class or form teacher, or a member of the Pastoral Support team.