Pastoral care - how to check whether it is good or not?

[Lily7050]

I will visit one pre prep (private) in the beginning of September and hope to attend open days in two more days in the end of September/ beginning of October. Also thinking of visiting state preps tis autumn to get an idea where we are with state options.

I am preparing a list questions to ask during visits but cannot get my head around how to check whether the pastoral care is good or not, apart from relying on the words of the school staff.
I would appreciate if people could share how they check the quality of pastoral care in pre preps.
TIA

One thing I've done to see just the tone the school communicates with parents in, is to go through the "letters home" or "newsletters" section of school websites (doesn't always work with these communication apps) - can kind of get a feel for if they're prepared to take on things like cyberbullying or if they're just going to type it every single week as a "not our problem - sort it out" in a different font to try to get any results.

I would start by definitely exactly what you mean by pastoral care. It should then be easier to see if it happens.

@helpfulperson

I would start by definitely exactly what you mean by pastoral care. It should then be easier to see if it happens.

That's is the main question: what schools mean by pastoral care? I thought it was about protecting from bullying and other similar issues that may affect child's wellbeing and happiness. I guess I will have to ask in each school what they mean and do.

Pastoral care can be provided to parents too.
Could be supporting through family issues, bereavement, developing confidence, directing to other support, practical support, offering parent courses or after school care based on need, Interventions to form friendships, ways for a child to shine in non academic areas, providing a quiet place, using the school premises creatively, workshops, nurturing classes, SEND provision and teaching life skills,
supporting vulnerable children, supporting social, behaviour and mental health provision. Inclusion and having the right services in play. Ed P and outside agencies. Voice of the child, the parent, the teacher, SS involment, CIN etc, financial advice, DV and other help,
CLA groups and groups specific to that setting, exposure to experience, avoiding exclusions and removing barriers, staff training, PHSE and equality, effective liaison and a safe environment. RA, welfare beyond the school, peer support and mentoring, safeguarding, record keeping and policies all linked to the vision are a few of the examples. It does not sit alone but runs through the school like safeguarding does.