Head of Pastoral Care- A leading IB School

Position Overview:

The Head of Pastoral Care plays a pivotal role in shaping the well-being, personal development, and emotional growth of students within our International Baccalaureate (IB) school community. As a senior leader, this position is responsible for overseeing and fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that promotes positive mental health, resilience, and academic success for all students. The Head of Pastoral Care will lead and manage the schools pastoral care programs, ensuring alignment with the IB philosophy and the school’s values.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management

• Lead, manage, and oversee the school’s pastoral care programs for all year groups.
• Work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, and Heads of Year to ensure that the school’s pastoral care framework supports student needs across various developmental stages.
• Be responsible for the recruitment, development, and management of pastoral care staff, including pastoral tutors and counselors.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity within the school community.
• Implement policies and practices that maintain and improve student welfare and behavior.

2. Student Well-being and Support

• Ensure that all students receive a holistic educational experience that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development.
• Develop and maintain strong systems for identifying and addressing pastoral concerns, including mental health, safeguarding, bullying, and family issues.
• Provide targeted support for students facing personal challenges and collaborate with external agencies when appropriate.
• Create a robust framework for student voice and advocacy, allowing students to express their needs and participate in decision-making.
• Lead and promote whole-school programs that encourage positive behavior, personal responsibility, and emotional well-being.

3. IB Philosophy and Values Integration

• Promote the IB Learner Profile values throughout the school’s pastoral programs.
• Ensure that pastoral care strategies align with the IB’s principles of inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and intercultural understanding.
• Support the development of students as reflective, principled, and caring individuals.

4. Parental and Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents and families to ensure consistent support for student well-being.
• Organize parent workshops and information sessions related to student welfare, including mental health and coping strategies.
• Act as a liaison between the school and external agencies or community resources in addressing pastoral concerns.

5. Safeguarding and Compliance

• Lead the school’s safeguarding strategy, ensuring that all policies and procedures comply with local and international regulations.
• Oversee staff training and development in safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Regularly assess and audit pastoral care procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

6. Professional Development and Collaboration

• Stay current with best practices in pastoral care, mental health support, and education.
• Lead professional development programs for staff related to student well-being, pastoral care, and safeguarding.
• Collaborate with other heads of departments to integrate pastoral care across the curriculum and school life.

7. Reporting and Accountability

• Regularly report to the Principal and governing body on the state of student welfare and any major pastoral issues.
• Track and report on pastoral care initiatives, student outcomes, and areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education:
  A degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or related field (a Master's degree in a related field is preferred).
  Training and certification in safeguarding and child protection are required.
• Experience:
  Minimum of 5 years of experience in a pastoral or student welfare leadership role within an educational setting.
  Experience working within an International Baccalaureate (IB) environment is highly desirable.
  Proven track record of successfully leading student welfare programs, managing staff, and working with parents.
• Skills:
  
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide others.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Strong understanding of mental health and well-being issues in an educational context.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.

Personal Attributes:

• Compassionate, empathetic, and a strong advocate for student well-being.
• A proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• A commitment to inclusive education and the diversity of student backgrounds.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances.