Pastoral care in schools is undergoing significant change as institutions respond to changing mental health needs. Melody Jones, second master and deputy designated safeguarding lead at St Albans School, explores the practical, financial and cultural challenges schools face in delivering effective support
Schools across the country are currently navigating several key trends in pastoral care that reflect an increased focus on whole-school wellbeing and mental health strategies, including digital wellbeing. There is also an emphasis on early intervention and targeted support strategies aimed at promoting resilience. As such, many school behaviour policies now frequently incorporate restorative practices, and peer mentoring alongside student leadership roles which play a vital role in addressing growing emotional and academic demands.
The Response
In response to rising demands from parents, schools are implementing visible and evidence-based pastoral structures that tackle teenage mental health, online risks, peer relationships and academic pressure. Clear communication and structured intervention pathways are now commonplace, providing parents with assurance that their school is actively promoting safety and wellbeing. For instance, the introduction of strict phone management systems, requiring students in Years’ 7–11 to lock their phones in pouches during school hours as well as mandating ‘brick’ phones for Year 7 pupils, demonstrates proactive measures to enhance student safety.
Mental Health Awareness
A strong focus on mental health awareness is essential, especially as students between the ages of 11 and 18 face increasing rates of anxiety, social media pressure and academic stress. Establishing a positive whole-school culture around mental health enables schools to identify any concerns early, allowing students to seek support before issues escalate.
This approach also mitigates long waiting times for external mental health services, which can hinder access to necessary support. Schools are adopting multi-tiered support systems, which include wellbeing spaces, peer mentoring and robust PSHEE programmes. Integrating mental health education within PSHEE and tutor time can help to normalise discussions around resilience and regulating emotions.
Supporting Staff and Teachers: Our Approach
To effectively support students’ pastoral needs, teachers require comprehensive training that equips them to handle complex emotional, behavioural and academic pressures. A significant number of staff in schools are trained as mental health first aiders, and in our case, all staff members receive regular safeguarding updates and training on restorative approaches.
Strong INSET frameworks ensure that teachers are well prepared to detect early signs of distress and are able to work closely with pastoral leads. Restorative behavioural approaches are beneficial in promoting accountability, empathy and improved peer relationships within the school community. Such methods can effectively de-escalate conflicts and encourage a culture of reflection rather than punishment.
Over time, schools implementing these approaches can enhance trust between staff and students, instil robust community values, and nurture a more resilient school culture across all year groups. In response to the increasing reliance on technology, schools are addressing digital wellbeing through initiatives such as digital literacy education, monitoring systems, and creating strict boundaries to minimise distraction and protect mental health.
This is part one of a two-part series exploring the changing landscape of pastoral care in schools. In the next instalment, Melody will examine the vital link between school and home and take a closer look at how restorative approaches.
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