By Sabeha Begum and Allisha Weekes-Depass
Working as Pastoral Support Workers (PSW) means that no two days are ever the same. Our role is all about ensuring that students feel supported, behaviour across the school is managed consistently, and the day runs as smoothly as possible for everyone.
A typical morning begins with patrols around the school site - checking in with students, making sure everyone is where they need to be, and setting a positive tone for the day ahead. This visible presence helps to prevent issues before they arise, while also showing students that there are adults available who care and are ready to listen.
Throughout the day, we are called upon in many different ways. Sometimes it's supporting a student who is struggling in class and other times it's mediating friendship challenges, or ensuring that behaviour expectations are followed. We work closely with teachers, leaders and other members of staff to keep things running smoothly and to make sure students get the help they need at the right time - whether it's encouraging students to make positive choices, providing a listening ear or helping them reflect after a difficult moment, our aim is to always help them feel supported and capable of moving forward.
Working as a team, we make sure we are present across the school, ready to step in where needed. It's a role that requires patience, consistency and resilience - but above all, it's rewarding. Every day, we see the difference that pastoral support is making in creating a safe, calm and positive learning environment.
No two days are ever the same, but everyday is about ensuring students know they are supported, understood and valued.
The role of the PSWs is summed up below by a student's testimony:
“I think the PSWs are really useful for comfort, some people can’t build up the courage to talk to a counsellor, but if you have a bond with a PSW, you can talk to them, it really helps to set goals, when they’re not here you can tell. They support you, you feel it. Teachers are sometimes too busy”
- Year 10 student
What a great summary of what it’s like as a PSW, a role which can’t be underestimated. Well done PSW’s, you have a huge positive impact on our community, go team!
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