Hitting the ground running - new AHT role.

[DevonshireDumpling1]

Hi all,

I will be leaving my current school this summer after 13 years as I will be taking up my new role as an Assistant Headteacher responsible for pastoral.

I’ve been a HoD in my current school since 2019 and whilst my role slightly changed in September 2024, the time is right for me to move on.

Vacancy came up in February this year at a school closer to home and to be honest I’ve been seeking progression for a while - spoke with my HT, visited the school, applied, interviewed and appointed all within a month.

The initial position advertised was to be responsible for T&L but since then SLT has been re-shuffled and my role will be responsible for pastoral - something I’ve not got extensive experience in. Can anyone give me advice to hit the ground running in September? I will be the line manager to a team of 15 which include - the pastoral leadership team (HOY’s/DHOY’s) and pastoral support colleagues.

Thanks

Congratulations. Have you got a job description for the new role? If you search - what does AHT for pastoral do -in chatgpt you can get suggestions for termly actions. Will you be DSL? I would try to do some training before September.

Get as much information as you can prior to September - intricacies of information that you wouldn’t have had before. Is there an INSET day in September? You’ll probably be tied up in SLT meetings but it would be good to meet with your team at this time. You could spend some of the six weeks break in school preparing for September - your office etc. You’ll have the opportunity to meet staff there as well.

This is my role in school.
You need to read their behaviour and bullying policies asap and ensure you understand the strategic culture and values of the school. along with the operational systems. How is behaviour data monitored and used? Negative points, positive points, detentions, internal and external suspensions. How are reports and behaviour plans implemented and by who.

Then read up and file all DfE publications, particularly the guidance for suspensions and exclusions which you will be overseeing very quickly. Read up on their rewards policy too and if you’re safeguarding lead read up on everything and find out when you’re getting the mandatory training.

I recommend (depending on the culture and values of the school) Ofsted ‘ Below the radar’ Paul Dix and Tom Bennett and also the EEF guidance.

It’s a lot if you have not had experience in this area so get the research in before you start and then ensure you are supported in the role. Always ask if you’re not sure.