Talk to me about Pastoral roles in school

[MaryBoBary]

Hi, just looking for some experience from teachers and other school staff members.

I am interested in some sort of pastoral role within a school but I don’t know much about it. Can anyone advise any qualifications that are required, and what day to day duties may look like please?

I work in a Pastoral/Safeguarding role in a secondary school. I had never worked in a school prior to this but had many years of experience working with children and young people with MH issues, young offenders and vulnerable families. I have a degree and post grad counselling qualification. My predecessor was ex-police I believe. I don't think that previous experience as a TA would have helped secure the role.
My job is a mixture of:
-Attending CP, CIN and Early Help meetings, LAC reviews etc. Advising teaching staff re: safeguarding issues and liaising with Children's Services
-1:1 work with kids with MH issues, substance abuse issues, self-harm, living with domestic violence etc
-School SEMH lead so responsible for all CAMHS referrals and liaison

• Group interventions like Anger Management, self esteem work etc
• Investigating serious incidents and working with kids who are at risk of permanent exclusion to try to keep them in school
• Working with families where there are issues around school refusal
• Parenting support, running Triple P courses
• Delivering staff training