LEAD ARTICLE: BACK TO SCHOOL: WELLBEING, LANGUAGE & NEWLY-ARRIVED ADOLESCENTS BY EDUCATION RESEARCHER AIMEE KELLEY OF GHENT UNIVERSITY

Back to School: Wellbeing, language, and newly-arrived adolescents by Aimee Kelley

In March, 2022, the flight of Ukrainian refugees into Europe and beyond opened a new chapter in migration history and sent many governments scrambling to accommodate these newcomers.

Of the various challenges the one that I have been most interested in is the provision of education for Ukrainian children in their new host countries.

This has been of particular interest in light of my current research, which focuses on the intersection of wellbeing, language, and newly-arrived adolescents in England and Denmark.

In the absence of national or local policy on this topic, how do schools welcome and care for youngsters arriving from other countries? How do teachers see their role in relation to academics and wellbeing, and how does this translate into education trajectories for these students during the first few years after their arrival? What specific measures are taken to care for newly-arrived students and by whom? How do newcomers feel about care and wellbeing at school?

These are some of the questions that make up this research project.

In the course of my field work, carried out between April and December of 2022, I visited ten secondary schools in five local authorities in England, and also traveled to seven schools in six Danish municipalities. In England, schools had a make-up of at least 30% English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and were located in local authorities with high numbers of resettled refugees and asylum seekers. In Denmark, schools were selected with an eye toward geographic diversity, including both smaller and larger municipalities.

Teachers, learning support staff, and school heads were interviewed in order to gather perspectives on the education and wellbeing of newly-arrived students. Focus groups with students were also held – most of the children had been in their new country no more than a few years, but some only a few months. These students included refugees who had travelled with a family member, as well as some who had arrived unaccompanied, while others had relocated due to a parent’s job or other opportunity; despite such varied backgrounds, the important aspect for me was that each was an adolescent who had the experience of being new at school.

The selection of England and Denmark as my research sites is based on the different structures of education for newly-arrived students. The lack of a national framework for EAL provision in England allows for a range of structures; in the schools I visited, programs ranged from the direct mainstreaming of students on their first day to providing several months of language instruction in a separate induction class. In terms of Ukrainian arrivals, perhaps for reasons of timing and geography, none of the participating schools in England had any enrolled any Ukrainian students at the time of my visits.

In Denmark, there is a broad national framework for language education of newly-arrived children but how this is structured is left to the discretion of the municipality rather than the school itself; many municipalities enroll newcomers in separate reception classes for up to two years, but others choose to place non-Danish speaking students directly into mainstream classes with separate language support. The latter is most often used for younger students, and in my experience children who arrive at age 14 or older are nearly always placed in reception classes housed within special 10th grade schools (these are schools where Danish students can receive an alternative provision of an extra year’s schooling before moving on to the next step in their educational trajectory).

This is the background on which special legislation was layered following the influx of some 30,000 Ukrainian refugees into Denmark; the government provided municipalities with the option to create separate classes for Ukrainian students, which some have done, in addition to hiring Russian- or Ukrainian-speaking teachers. Other municipalities have opted not to create special classes for Ukrainian students, instead placing them in existing reception classes with other newcomers from around the world; this will be the case nationwide in January, as the special legislation will be phased out at the end of 2022.

This research project was initially conceived of as an unpacking and exploration of wellbeing policy in education and its implications for newly-arrived students. It became clear very quickly that there is little wellbeing policy, in written form, and that wellbeing is embodied in the perspectives and actions of those in the classroom – most often, the care and welcome newly-arrived students receive depends on the dynamism of one person who is committed to these students; when school leadership shares this ethos, or at least provides the autonomy for someone to champion EAL, provisions for these students are strengthened.

In the course of meeting with so many educators and students the research has grown richer than I could have imagined, and those I’ve spoken with have raised additional issues concerning this population of students, such as questions around justice in the absence of a national structure, the purpose and fitness of the national curriculum, the meaning of community, and even the goals and purposes of school and education itself. I hope to further explore these topics as the project continues.

If you’d like to share your perspective on this topic, or have suggestions of interesting policies or practices, feedback on my research as I’ve shared it here, or if you’d like to receive updates as the project progresses, please feel free to email me at Aimee.Kelley@ugent.be.

All best for a safe and healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year ahead
.
Aimee Kelley  
Ghent University

ARTICLE: A RELEVANT LEARNING EXPERIENCE – A CURRICULUM FOR LIFE BY NAPCE CHAIR PHIL JONES

A recent speech on education in the House of Commons called for “more emphasis on employability, communication skills and personal wellbeing”.

If you assume that this speech was by an innovative and forward-thinking Member of Parliament, you would be wrong because these words come from Izzy Garbutt who is a member of the youth parliament.

Izzy was speaking in a debate about the relevance of the education system to children and young people, in the 12th sitting of the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons on the 4th of November 2022.

In her speech Izzy shared her view that: “The education system is supposedly created for young people. So please listen when we say it is failing us”

The speech saw a huge response on social media including comments from Tom Bennet OBE, who is the DFE advisor on behaviour in schools.

He commented: “Oh my God this is terrible”.

His intervention probably had the impact of raising awareness about Izzy’s speech and the issues she raised and encouraged others to join the debate on social media.

These included representatives of teaching unions. Some of the issues that the discussion explored included, the place of examinations in the education system, the importance of life skills being taught in the curriculum and the right of young people to have a voice and share their thoughts and ideas about their educational experience.

Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School, and College Leaders, (ASCL) commented in his blog: “From where I sit her speech seems a heartfelt and pretty reasonable appraisal of the governments efforts to turn the education system into an exam factory.” He supported his argument with the comment that “employers… constantly talk about the needs for more emphasis on skills that equip young people for work and careers”. He explained the ASCL position.

“What concerns us is the extent to which preparations for exams now dominates education and the detrimental impact this can have on both curriculum breadth and depth and on student wellbeing.”

He argued that the current Government insist: “That all young people should sit a large set of 1950’s style academic exams in the name of rigour”
Mr Barton also suggested that: “Perhaps Ministers should listen to young people like Izzy. If some of our pupils and students feel that education isn’t working well for them, they might just have a point”.
In her speech Izzy pointed out the UK Youth Parliament have been calling for several years for a ‘curriculum for life’. She explained that this was.
“A curriculum that will see us leaving school with a greater understanding of the world around us”.

She called for an education system that created well rounded and well-informed young people who are ready for the future.

Whether you agree or disagree with the views and opinions of young people such as Izzy, if they raise concerns about the relevance of their educational experience in the modern world, then the issues raised deserved to be explored by educationalists.

Views and opinions are likely to be influenced by beliefs about the purpose of education. One belief is that the priority for the education system is to produce young people who can make a positive contribution to the future economy.

An alternative view is that the focus for education, should be on developing the skills and understanding that young people will need to thrive, in the rapidly changing technological world.

John Quicke, in his book ‘Curriculum for Life. Schools for a democratic learning society’, asked the question “What kind of curriculum do we need for life in the 21st century?”

A curriculum for life was proposed as an alternative to the National Curriculum with a focus on social development, thinking skills parenting, citizenship, and work-related learning. (Quicke 1999).

More recently Martin Illingworth has questioned the relevance of the current curriculum for meeting the needs of young people in the modern world.

He argues that schools are at a crossroads and either they respond to the real world of change, challenge and possibilities that face young people or they become irrelevant. His view, is that what is needed is an educational system that places less value on declarative knowledge (knowing and retaining information) and more on procedural knowledge (the capacity to make use of that information).

He argues that the learning experience must be more relevant to the needs of young people in the modern world.

He wrote: “The young need to network, they need to communicate effectively over digital mediums they need to manage money and they need to be alert to the world around them” (Illingworth 2020)

It seems appropriate that there is a serious debate about a relevant curriculum for young people and indeed about what is the purpose of education in a modern technological world.

Our understanding about how to provide young people with a relevant learning experience, can be enhanced by a clear understanding about, what does quality education look like in the 21st century.

The Sunday Times published the lists of ‘top schools’ on 11th December 2022. One of the schools that was placed in the top ten secondary schools, based on A level and GCSE results was found to be inadequate by Ofsted in an inspection in May 2021. This either suggests that Ofsted is not relevant or that the quality of education needs to be judged on more than examination results.

Many of the schools placed high in the league tables of secondary schools would also have excellent inspection reports. However, it questions the accuracy of judgements about how good a school, is when schools can be in the top ten for examination results but inadequate for behaviour and attitudes and personal development in an Ofsted Inspection report.

I have not named the school as this article is not about naming and shaming. There will, I am sure, be other schools that are seen as good by some criteria and not by others.

It does illustrate that there is a strong argument for a debate about how relevant learning is for young people.

In her speech Izzy comments that “the development of young people as individuals should be the aim of education and not examination results and the issues this raises should be a stimulus for discussion, about how to make learning more relevant for young people to prepare them for their lives in the modern world”.

NAPCE will be supporting this discussion in the New Year.

On March 11th NAPCE will be organising a conference in Worcester with the title “Is there a need for a new direction for pastoral care in education’?

Pastoral Care in schools can be planned to support young people in preparing for their future lives in society and in the workplace. The whole curriculum of the school which includes all the learning experiences provided for young people, can be used by staff in pastoral roles to provide relevant support and guidance.

The academic curriculum is already full of content, and there is unlikely to be time to add the learning opportunities that would make education more relevant. It is perhaps the whole curriculum and the pastoral support provided, that provides the best opportunities for addressing the issues raised by Izzy and other young people and make their learning experience relevant for the world that they will live in. Join NAPCE at the conference and contribute to the debate.

Phil Jones
National Chair
The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE)

References
Barton, Geoff. ASCL General Secretary, Blog for ASCL, 2nd December 2022. Found at   ASCL – Minsters and their behaviour adviser should listen to Izzy
Garbutt, Izzy, MYP for Wigan and Leigh, Speech to UK Youth Parliament, November 4th, 2022, at https://twitter.com/IzzyGarbuttMYP
Illingworth, Martin, (2020) ‘Forget School’ Carmarthen, Independent Thinking Press.
Quicke, John. (1999) ‘A Curriculum for Life. Schools for a democratic learning society, Buckingham, Open University Press.
Sunday Times, (11th December 2022), ‘Parent power. The definitive guide to the UK’s top schools.

MEMBERSHIP: IT’S TIME TO SECURE YOUR BENEFITS THROUGH NAPCE 2023 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Time to Renew your Membership

You can now be a member of NAPCE 2023.

The Association annual membership is from January to January each year. Make sure you renew now or become a member to gain the full benefits of annual membership.

If you are a member, then renewal letters have been sent out By Informa who manage the membership of the Association for the publishers of our academic journal Taylor and Francis.

If you are not already a member but are interested in the positive contribution effective pastoral care can make to a learners’ education, then now is the time to join.

Membership includes a subscription to the NAPCE internationally respected academic journal ‘Pastoral Care in Education’ with the latest research and thinking about pastoral care in education from around the world by leading educationalist and practitioners. This will be delivered to your home or work address four times each year.

Membership means that your will be joining a network of professionals who are interested in supporting the education of children and young people to help them achieve their full potential and have discounts to attend NAPCE events and activities.

You can become a member of NAPCE as an individual or as a school, college, university, or educational group. The cost to individuals for membership for individuals and groups is very reasonable and has not been increased this year.

• Annual Individual Membership £44.00
• Annual Individual Membership Retired/ Student £21.00
• Group membership (schools, colleges, universities and educational organisations) £66.00

Go to www.napce.org.uk and follow the link for membership for more details or to join to get a full year’s membership. Any questions please email admin@napce.org.uk.
Join a growing Association and contribute to improving the educational experience for children and young people.

The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE) 2023 Membership & Renewal

We look forward to meeting you as a member at future NAPCE events.

EVENTS UPDATE: NAPCE Announces Plans for Spring 2023

SAFER INTERNET DAY 2023

The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education is pleased to once again be supporting Safer Internet Day.

The next Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday 7^th February 2023.

Safer internet Day 2023 is attended by organisations worldwide in an effort to make the internet truly safe for children.

Phil Jones, National Chair represented NAPCE at the planning meeting which took place on Thursday 1^st December.

The plans for Safer Internet Day 2023 include, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the event promotes the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

In the UK, we are celebrating by putting children and young people’s voices at the heart of the day and encouraging them to shape the online safety support that they receive.

The UK Safer Internet Centre will be asking parents, carers, teachers, government, policymakers, and the wider online safety industry to take time to listen to children and young people and make positive change together.

This year they are hoping to answer the following questions:

• What issues really matter to children and young people?
• What changes do they want to see?
• How can we all work together to advocate for them moving forward?

With your help, Safer Internet Day 2023 can be a springboard for conversations that shape how we talk about and respond to online issues, not just for one day, but throughout the whole year.

Educational materials are available for ages 3 to 7, 7 to 11, 11 to 14 and 14 to 18.

These include assembly presentations and activities to start discussions.

There are activities that can be sent home for parents to use with their children and activities that can be led by children

Follow the link for more information.

Safer Internet Day 2023 – UK Safer Internet Centre   or visit the website  visit the website saferinternet.org.uk

Safer Internet Day 2023 will broadcast live from the top of the BT Tower in London on Tuesday 7^th February from 2-00pm until 3-20pm.

Presentation for the Association of Education Advisers

NAPCE National Chair, Phil Jones has been invited to deliver a presentation for the Association of Education Advisers.

The AOEA aim is to raise the quality of education advice.

The presentation will be delivered at an Educational Keeping in Touch Meeting organised by AOEA to listen to guest speakers and share good practice.

The presentation takes place on Thursday 26^th January 2023 and the title is “Why we need pastoral care in education in the 21st century”.

The presentation will explore how effective pastoral care can support schools in providing learners with a relevant learning experience in preparation for their future lives in the modern world.

It will examine how a planned and proactive approach to pastoral care in schools can support both the academic progress and personal development of children and young people.

It will consider what demands are being made on pastoral structures and systems in schools in the 21st century and how schools can use available resources to provide effective pastoral care that enables learners to achieve their full potential.

For more information about the Association of education adviser visit their website at www. aoea.co.uk

The NAPCE 40^th Anniversary Conference– ‘Is there a need for a new direction for pastoral care in education’?

You are invited to be a delegate at NAPCE Conference in Spring 2023 which is for Pastoral Leaders, Staff in Pastoral Roles, Researchers, Writers, Students, and everybody who has an interest in the important contribution pastoral care makes to the learning experience of children and young people.

The conference celebrates the 40 years that it has promoted the importance of effective pastoral care in education.

The event will examine how pastoral care and support can ensure children and young people achieve their full potential from their education and there is a brilliant line up of speakers to cover a wide range of topics.

Delegates will take away a clear understanding of the current issues and opportunities for developing effective pastoral care and the knowledge and ideas to make a real difference in the life chances of learners in their role.

The conference is excellent value for investing in your professional development with the tickets covering the costs of lunch and refreshments.

Why not get even better value, by becoming a NAPCE member at the start of the annual membership year and benefitting from discounts for NAPCE organised events?

Email admin@napce.org.uk for details about how to become a member of the Association as an individual, school, college or educational organisation or visit www,napce.org.uk.

Some of the areas and issues about pastoral care in education that will be explored at the conference include.

• Government policy making
• OFSTED priorities
• Focus for current research
• SEND
• Governance
• Learners needs
• Challenges in a multi-cultural school
• Independent school experience
• Inclusion
• Positive learning culture
• Safeguarding
• Pastoral leadership
• Pastoral roles in schools

Speakers include;

• Catherine Crooks HMI, OFSTED. Confirmed
• Dr Noel Purdy, Stranmillis University College, Belfast. confirmed
• Carole Gregory, Worcestershire Children First, Governor Services. confirmed
• Maria O’Neil, Educationalist and author of ‘Proactive Pastoral Care’. confirmed
• Ron Skelton, Headteacher and CEO of Broadway Academy in Birmingham. confirmed
• Rachel Hart , Head of Life Advice, Lady Eleanor Holles School,
• Dr Helen O Connor, Psychologist, St Swithuns School.
• Dr Dee Gray, Grays Well Being, Director Young Carers Academy
• Charlie Walker, student at the University of Exeter. NAPCE student committee member. Adviser on young people in the House of Commons. confirmed
• Dr Matt Silver, CEO Pathways Education, NAPCE Vice Chair confirmed
• Phil Jones, National Chair of NAPCE confirmed

The conference programme will include.

• Expert Keynote Presentations from leading educationalists
• Coffee Morning Chat with the writers of the 40^th anniversary edition of the journal pastoral care in education which focused on the future of pastoral care and support for learners in schools and colleges.
• The Market Place with an opportunity for delegates to interact with the guest speakers and ask your questions and share ideas.
• Afternoon Chat Show with discussions about some of the current issues in education and in particular pastoral care.
• Live Snapshot Presentations with practical ideas about how to improve practice’
• Educational Displays with ideas for resources to improve practice
• Networking and interaction with other delegates and experts who share and interest in the positive contribution effective pastoral acre and support can make to children and young people’s educational experience.

The conference will be followed by the Anniversary Dinner to celebrate the 40 years that NAPCE has been contributing to educational thinking, policy making and practice.

This includes,

• The launch of the new pastoral care book edited by NAPCE, ‘Pastoral Care in Education- Time for Change’ to be published in 2023 by Cambridge Scholars. Some of the authors will be present to discuss the arguments presented in the book.
• A fizz reception and three course meal
• Les Walton CBE and Geoff Barton ASCL President invited to be our after-dinner speakers.
• Live Cabaret entertainment
• Bar open until 11-00pm to socialise

Tickets are limited and available on Eventbrite now.
ConferenceTickets
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-direction-for-pastoral-care-in-education-tickets-348110968277
Anniversary Dinner Tickets
https://napcedinner.eventbrite.co.uk

Why not make a weekend of it and stay the Saturday evening in the Cathedral City of Worcester. There is a Premier Inn at the venue and a wide range of accommodation for different budgets in the city.

40^th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

Would you like to invite you to be our guest for the 40^th Anniversary Celebration Dinner in the Graham Hick Pavilion, at Worcestershire County Cricket Club in Worcester on Saturday 11^th March 2023?

Reserve your tickets now and put this important educational event on your calendar for 2023.

The evening includes.

1. The launch of the new educational book edited by NAPCE and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Pastoral Care in Education- Time for Change. Meet the authors and discuss the ideas in the book
2. Fizz reception
3.Celebration Dinner
4.After Dinner Speakers sharing their stories about NAPCE and thoughts about the future for education. Including Les Walton CBE, Educationalist, author of ‘Education the rock and roll years and one of the founders of NAPCE in 1982.
5.Entertainment
6.Professional Photographer
7.Pay Bar until 11-00am

Why not make an evening of it and stay in the cathedral city of Worcester for the evening. Premier Inn at the venue and other accommodation available in the city.

If you have been involved with NAPCE during its 40-year history or share NAPCE’S interest in the important contribution pastoral care can make to education and the difference it can make to children and young people achieving their full potential, then join us for this evening. Reserve your tickets now  for you, your friends colleagues and family https://napcedinner.eventbrite.co.uk

GOOD PRACTICE: Sharing Good Practice from the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education

Sharing Good Practice from the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education.

The judges were very impressed with the excellent practice in pastoral care and brilliant support that is being provided for learners that was highlighted in the nominations for the 2022 Awards.

This month we are sharing some of the good practice that was highlighted by the category Pastoral School of the Year. The criteria for this award is;

A school that can demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and support for learners that makes a real difference in the progress and personal development of young people in the school.

Pastoral School of the Year Finalists in 2022 were.

• St Catherine’s College, Armagh
• Fairfield Primary School
• Fir Vale School
• Moorlands Junior School
• Abbey School

St. Catherine’s College, Armagh

St. Catherine’s College places pastoral care and support for all pupils and staff at its core. Our school motto “Cor Unum” – “one heart” defines their pastoral ethos; to make significant and real differences to the lives of the young people in their care, affording them the opportunities and support to develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.    Pastoral care and support is grounded in the belief that as a school they must help their students grow in self-knowledge and develop self-confidence as they learn to deal realistically with their gifts and limitations. The development of a new ‘Comfort Room’ supports the diversity of needs experienced by all pupils, including those with social and emotional difficulties and ASD. In addition, this year every pupil in the school has successfully undertaken peer training in Autism Awareness.     As a school with over 1000 female pupils, the “Period Poverty” campaign, has normalised conversation about menstruation amongst male and female pupils and has been driven by the Sixth Form Leadership Team. Whole school assemblies delivered by Sixth Form pupils, the provision of feminine hygiene products and holiday packs, visual messaging and open dialogue with pupils has ensured that this social issue is no longer a taboo subject.    St. Catherine’s College values the importance of cultural inclusivity. The launch of the ‘Inclusivity Hub’ – a bespoke student space which addresses and supports cultural diversity, highlights the valuable contribution to the school community made by pupils from a diversity of other cultures.    The emotional health and well-being of pupils is central to the school ethos. The opening of the ‘SEWing’ (Spiritual, Emotional, Well-being) Suite with its counselling rooms, chaplaincy, and safe space, affords all pupils an environment in which they can receive Mental Health First Aid, professional counselling or simply a listening ear.

Fairfield Primary School

At Fairfield, they strive to have a full understanding of the wide range of pastoral needs of the children in their care in order to provide them with the most appropriate support at any given time. The school works hard to build respectful and trusting relationships with the whole school community so everyone, coming into contact with a child, has a ‘bigger’ picture of their needs. This was evident than during the ‘lockdowns’, when the school offered virtual pastoral care and continued with in-person counselling sessions.  The school values assemblies, bespoke PSHE/RSHE curriculum and well-being workshops enable children to understand and begin to deal with their own feelings, develop their own social and emotional resilience and recognise how to maintain their physical and mental well-being. In some circumstances, support within a normal classroom setting from the class teacher is not always enough.  The fully trained school counsellor provides highly effective one-to-one pastoral support for children with more specific mental health issues, or those requiring focused emotional support. The school offers ‘Draw and Talk’ therapy. Nurture Group provision, in Reception and Key Stage 1, help to provide focussed intervention for emotional, social, mental health or behavioural difficulties.     Safeguarding is a huge part of what makes up effective pastoral care at Fairfield. Over the past decade, they have developed their provision, and pride themselves on providing effective and expansive pastoral care and emotional support. They endeavour to ensure that children develop their personal strengths, confidence, resilience and understanding of self in order to progress emotionally, socially and educationally.

Moorlands Junior School in Sale in Cheshire

The school motto is ‘more than just a school’ and during a difficult time for everyone, where children families and staff were finding it hard in the middle of a pandemic, isolating at the drop of a hat, juggling remote provision and live learning this was a year more than any other where we showed this.    The staff came together like never before to support each other through it all. Children’s welfare came first at all costs.    Although they couldn’t get together in person, they worked round this to ensure that no-one missed out.  Stars of the week who were isolating were hand delivered their certificate every week by the head or deputy.  All the classes experienced a virtual day trip-planned by their teachers so they could experience a ‘visit’ to another place and talk about it together. Some classes went on safari, to Harry Potter World and even visited Sea World.  Virtual assemblies were held every morning by class teachers and TAs and drop-in sessions provided support every day for anyone who was struggling.    Every class had a virtual story time with the headteacher each week.    TAs carried out virtual intervention for SEN children as well as virtual wellbeing sessions.    Teachers held Friday fun virtual quizzes for their classes and families and baking and sports competitions.    Teachers linked up home and school for weekly PSHE/wellbeing lessons.    They continued with their residential trip and for children who missed it completely they organised an alternative trip for them.    We produced a virtual advent calendar, held virtual world book day and we even had virtual trumpet lessons!  All children were given a Moorlands teddy on return to full school after lockdown to welcome them back.      The school is amazing! They are like one big happy family and all look out for each other.

Abbey School. A Special School in Rotherham in South Yorkshire.
This nomination was made as a celebration of the love shared between the most amazing children, families and staff at Abbey School, where pupil wellbeing is the beating heart of the school. Pastoral care is everyone’s responsibility. Staff, from the caretakers and office staff to the executive head, commit to improving children’s wellbeing under the guidance and expertise of our Wellbeing team. Relationships between all members of the Abbey family are fostered in an environment of love, patience, and care. Restorative practice teaches children how to ‘make things right’ and how to form strong relationships.   Families are supported on visits to CAMHS and with Early Help. Year 10’s are trained as Mental health champions providing peer support. Listen up cards are issued to all children and staff to use if they need to be heard.  Dignity for our children and families, many of whom are the most vulnerable in society is paramount. they are passionate in the drive to give their children a feeling of belief and belonging and this is driven through our House system with houses, Attitude, Courage, Heart and Respect. Children collect points for showing these values to one another and for striving to be the best they can be particularly as ‘Lion Leaders’.  Children, with SEND, are employed in school on our ‘STEAM Street where they do a range of jobs such as laundry worker, dog carer, postal worker. This brings a sense of pride and teaches how being employed improves life chances. Children are paid in house points that are exchanged in our shop for items such toys, food, clothing and toiletries which are taken home, but not as charity but as a well-earned contribution to their families. They truly believe ‘Every child deserves a champion’ and Abbey is where our children find theirs.

Fir Vale School, Sheffield

Fir Valley School is a large, oversubscribed secondary school positioned in not just the most deprived area of Sheffield, but one of the most deprived areas in the country. The school aims to truly serve the local community and to improve the life-chances for all young people and their families. The demographic is complex, both in term of ethnicity but also in terms of the level of trauma our children have experienced in their lifetimes, leading to many cases of adverse childhood experiences.   They have a high proportion of children with SEMH and recognised that children really needed therapeutic support to help them with their wellbeing, access their learning and develop valuable skills required to cope with the adverse experiences they have and continue to face. For these reasons they developed ‘The LINK’. This is a centre designed by professionals to offer a safe haven for children, a counselling space, an area for children to access support with bereavement and a nurture space for the most vulnerable.   Extended Pastoral Team go above and beyond daily to provide high-quality support for students. Their Social Cohesion activities ensure that students from all backgrounds respect each other and treat each other with kindness. Using a whole school Trauma Informed approach to build positive relationships with every child they support, so that they can go on to be happy and successful young adults. Visitors to the school always comment on how calm and friendly the environment is. The Team works closely with parents and the local community to raise aspiration and to engage everyone in making the school and the local community the best it can be for all.

We hope you will be inspired by the information about the 2022 nominations and that it will encourage you to make a nomination for the 2023 awards to recognise your good practice and the difference you make for the children and young people in your care.

Go to napce.org.uk for details.

CONFERENCE: NAPCE to Chair Online Pastoral Care Conference with ECUK

NAPCE Chair Phil Jones is delighted to have been approached to chair a virtual conference on 9th February, 2023.

Mr Jones will lead the Delivering Outstanding Pastoral Care Conference 2023 ran by Education Conferences UK.

Who should attend?
Pastoral Leaders, Senior Mental Health Leads, Behaviour Leads, Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, School Counsellors and any other members of staff who wish to improve their understanding of pastoral care in schools

This conference will enable you to:

• Get essential updates on key topics for pastoral leads in schools
• Understand how the cost of living crisis might impact your pupils
• Come away with practical ideas to support children and families facing poverty
• Improve how you work with hard to reach and disengaged families
• Gain a deeper understanding of how to work with children facing mental health challenges
• Improve how you respond to incidents of cyber bullying to ensure pupils are effectively supported
• Update your knowledge on school attendance and the changes to guidance and proposed changes in the Schools Bill
• Go back to your school with practical ideas to improve your behaviour management strategy
• Hear practical case studies from pastoral leads in schools about changes they have implemented
• Supports CPD professional development

For more information including details on tickets and sponsorship follow this link https://www.educationconferencesuk.co.uk/conferences-masterclasses/pastoral-care

VACANCIES: Fancy Joining NAPCE’s National Executive Committee?

This is your opportunity to join the UK’s leading pastoral care support organisation.

Now in our 40th year, we are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for you to jon the for the NAPCE National Executive Committee (NEC).

This is your chance to help shape the future of pastoral care and change the lives of young people in our schools.

Of course, we’re looking for people who fit the experience criteria for a post on our board and for professionals with energy and enthusiasm who want to make a difference.

We’re looking for applications for 2023 which would cover a two year term on the NEC. For more information and/or to make an application, please contact us via admin@napce.org.uk

LEAD ARTICLE: “What shall we tell the children? Reflections on how to address concerns over potential nuclear conflict in Europe“ by NAPCE’s Max Biddulph

What shall we tell the children? Reflections on how to address concerns over potential nuclear conflict in Europe – By Max Biddulph

Reporting on 6 October 2022, The New York Times quoted U.S. President Joe Biden in a speech made to a fund-raising event the previous evening, as saying ‘that the risk of nuclear conflict in the world had not been so high since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis’.

A year ago, this would have been an astonishing statement to make but since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the word ‘nuclear’ is now regularly used in media environments which are monitored by people of all ages, including children and young people.

For those of us old enough to have experienced previous eras of superpower tensions in the form the cold war in the 1980s, the existence of a nuclear threat is not new.

In the British media of the time, the consequences of using nuclear weapons was graphically articulated by Raymond Briggs’ cartoon ‘When the Wind blows’ (1982) and the BBC drama ‘Threads’ (1984).

Driven by alarms triggered by this media reporting, I undertook a literature review to determine the ways in which children and young people might be processing the current narrative about nuclear weapons that is unfolding and the way in which they might be supported by education professionals.

Unsurprisingly, there appears to be a dearth of recent research, most of the sources I located being written in the 1980s and 1990s. That said, as I engaged with them, I realised that they still have real currency in the present situation.

For example, William Beardslee alerts us to the ways in which young people come to understand the consequences of using nuclear weapons:
‘The evidence indicates that many youngsters are bewildered and perplexed by the threat of nuclear war. Some are frankly troubled or frightened. They often find out about it alone, through the media, or from their peers, without help or guidance from their usual circle of caring adults. Helplessness and a sense of powerlessness, as well as a profound sense of fear about the future, may accompany the realization. (Beardslee 1986, abstract).

The silence that surrounds discussion of this subject pervades both the home and education environments, in fact Lifton and Markusen (1988) refer to this as ‘nuclear numbing’ produced as Beardslee (ibid) observes, by the fact that:
‘It is difficult for anyone to think about these matters, let alone know how to talk to or deal with young people about them. Beyond this, it is disturbing to think that the threat of nuclear war in and of itself might be having an impact on our children’s development. Furthermore, the subject itself, precisely because it is so painful and yet so politically controversial, is inherently divisive’.

Given the above, it is of course completely understandable as to why anyone may wish to avoid the emotive and anxiety-promoting thoughts of the consequences of using nuclear weapons.

That said Buck (2017) offers a counter argument, pointing to the cost to the mental well-being of generations of North Americans living with this spectre with a subsequent silent societal response, and Christie and Hanley (1994) argue that colluding with silence is problematic as discussion is both the problem and the solution to the feelings of powerlessness that young people experience.

Interestingly, in all the literature I read, education is consistently positioned as providing not just an understanding of nuclear issues but also more optimistically, articulating hope for a future.

In all probability, the next generation of world leaders are likely to be engaged with schooling at the present time, and Christie and Hanley (ibid) are at pains to point out, an opportunity exists here to educate and reassure young people.

The teaching and conversation about this subject needs to go beyond information-giving, to inspire young people to take action as the problem solvers and peace makers of tomorrow.

Given their frontline role, teachers charged with pastoral responsibility have opportunities both in the pastoral curriculum e.g. Personal, Social Education and in their daily one to one interactions with students to address this issue.

In the UK, help is at hand in the form of updates posted on their websites in 2022 from both the Department for Education and Education Scotland (see links below), who provide valuable resources for teachers finding themselves engaged in discussion with young people regarding the Ukraine conflict.

These resources are numerous, drawn from a wide range of commentaries and rigorous in their suggestions e.g. teaching critical thinking when making sense of reporting as well as providing strategies to manage the anxiety that listening to the media may trigger.

And yet in my review of the 40+ resources presented, the phenomenon of ‘nuclear numbing’ is alive and well, the ‘n’ word being completely absent.

For novices and experienced practitioners alike, the prospect of discussing nuclear confrontation in classrooms feels like daunting, uncharted territory.

What to do? Be proactive and introduce the subject or watch and wait and be lead by young people themselves?

Whichever scenario applies, practitioners need to be prepared for the subject being raised and may be able to draw on their experience of teaching other sensitive issues.

Two things immediately stand out:

• Beardslee (1986) presenting the findings of classroom practice in North America in the 1980s, argues that preparation for any discussion of this topic necessarily involves undertaking a personal values audit within the educator themselves. ‘Knowledge’ in this regard needs to go beyond facts and interrogate personal positioning both from a values and feelings point of view
• As with the teaching of other sensitive issues, lone working is not a good idea. Collaboration with colleagues is sensible, and frame any discussion of this issue within any policies on the teaching of sensitive issues.

Buck (2017) points to the need for directness and honesty in answering classroom questions, foregrounding rationality which has the potential to take the charge out of alarmist thoughts.

Beardslee’s (ibid) research is optimistic in this regard in that it reveals that there is an opportunity to introduce the prospect of hope which comes with dialogue and activism.

Beardslee (1986) argues:
‘This can only occur when they are fully informed and carefully introduced to the issue, supported in their understanding of it, and then willing to take action. This can occur only when they have a vision, a hope for the future, which includes the belief that nuclear war can be prevented and that their actions have an effect. This must be the central aim of our educational efforts…it is essential that young people will not be left alone with their fears. It is essential that they make contact with others who are willing to hear them and to share their concerns’.
What a challenge.

Max Biddulph, School of Education, University of Nottingham

References

Beardslee, W. 1986. Children and adolescents perceptions of the threat of nuclear war: implications of recent studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219180/ Accessed: 07.11.22

Buck, S. 2017. Fear of nuclear annihilation scarred children growing up in the Cold War, studies later showed. https://timeline.com/nuclear-war-child-psychology-d1ff491b5fe0 Accessed: 07.11.22

Christie, D. and Hanley, C.P. 1994. Some psychological effects of nuclear war education on adolescents during cold war II. Political Psychology, 15 (2) pp177-199
Lifton, R. and Markusen, E. 1988. The Genocidal Mentality. New York: Basic Books

Useful links:
Department for Education (DfE), 2022. https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-to-pupils-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-help-them-avoid-misinformation/ Accessed: 07.11.22
Education Scotland, 2022. Teaching about conflict and war: Support for educators. https://education.gov.scot/improvement/learning-resources/teaching-about-conflict-and-war-support-for-educators/ Accessed: 07.11.22

QUESTION FOR READERS: Dorset School Seeking Advice on IT Systems

A Question for Our Readers from a Dorset School

For forty years NAPCE has enjoyed interacting with and offering advice to schools on a range of subjects around pastoral care work.

We were pleased to receive a message recently from Anne Lennon who works in the pastoral care team at St Michael’s Middle School in Wimbourne, Dorset.

Because we have such a large audience of schools across the UK and further afield we thought, in this instance, we’d put the question to you, our valued readers and pastoral care colleagues.

It’s about effective IT systems. Here’s the question, as it came in.

“I am getting in touch to ask for some advice. I work in a Middle School in Dorset and we as a Pastoral team we are struggling with our outdated IT systems and having to make records in multiple places. I
thought before we try, again, to lobby our Trust board and IT team about having a more efficient system I would check with NAPCE to see whether
you have come across schools who have good IT/Communication systems in place.”

Anne would ideally like some advice before the end of this school term.

If you have valuable experience in this area, please get in touch with us so we can pass your advice onto Anne.

Please contact us via email admin@napce.org.uk

Thank you

CONFERENCE: NAPCE to Chair Online Pastoral Care Conference with ECUK

NAPCE Chair Phil Jones is delighted to have been approached to chair a virtual conference on 9th February, 2023.

Mr Jones will lead the Delivering Outstanding Pastoral Care Conference 2023 ran by Education Conferences UK.

Who should attend?
Pastoral Leaders, Senior Mental Health Leads, Behaviour Leads, Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, School Counsellors and any other members of staff who wish to improve their understanding of pastoral care in schools

This conference will enable you to:

• Get essential updates on key topics for pastoral leads in schools
• Understand how the cost of living crisis might impact your pupils
• Come away with practical ideas to support children and families facing poverty
• Improve how you work with hard to reach and disengaged families
• Gain a deeper understanding of how to work with children facing mental health challenges
• Improve how you respond to incidents of cyber bullying to ensure pupils are effectively supported
• Update your knowledge on school attendance and the changes to guidance and proposed changes in the Schools Bill
• Go back to your school with practical ideas to improve your behaviour management strategy
• Hear practical case studies from pastoral leads in schools about changes they have implemented
• Supports CPD professional development

For more information including details on tickets and sponsorship follow this link https://www.educationconferencesuk.co.uk/conferences-masterclasses/pastoral-care

VACANCIES: Fancy Joining NAPCE’s National Executive Committee?

This is your opportunity to join the UK’s leading pastoral care support organisation.

Now in our 40th year, we are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for you to jon the for the NAPCE National Executive Committee (NEC).

This is your chance to help shape the future of pastoral care and change the lives of young people in our schools.

Of course, we’re looking for people who fit the experience criteria for a post on our board and for professionals with energy and enthusiasm who want to make a difference.

We’re looking for applications for 2023 which would cover a two year term on the NEC. For more information and/or to make an application, please contact us via admin@napce.org.uk

LEAD ARTICLE: “Evolving Pastoral Care for a New Digital Age” by NAPCE’s Charlie Walker

Evolving Pastoral Care for a New Digital Age

Of the many stories recalled by my grandfather, one always stands out: the day the first computer arrived at his school.

Not only the deputy headmaster, but also a very able mathematician, he was soon ushered in to work out just what they were going to do with it.

Whilst I am sure he was cautiously excited about the opportunities that such a development could bring, I
doubt that he or any of his colleagues imagined just how expansive technology would become in both
education and in wider society.

My own school journey took place in parallel with some of the fastest developments in this digital revolution.

To give some sense of scale, when I began secondary school in 2012, around 900 million people were signed up to Facebook.

Upon leaving the sixth form, this number stood at over 2.5 billion.

Now training as a neuroscientist, my day-to-day studies cover everything from mental health and addiction to learning methodologies and artificial intelligence.

Specialising in the policy and ethics of neuroscience, I am particularly fascinated by the ever-evolving relationship between young people and technology.

All too often I encounter sentiments that digital devices are merely dangers and distractions. There are indeed very significant risks that potentially lie in wait and these should never be underestimated.

Similarly, whether or not to ban mobile phones and devices in schools is a decision for individual leaders.

However, it is the responsibility of those entrusted with educating young people to do so in a way that best supports them in this new digital era, an era that will only continue to evolve when they leave school.

Reflecting on my own experiences of navigating the constantly changing world of technology, three key
challenges come to mind for school leaders.

Firstly, we must appreciate the very significant cognitive and biological effect that our interaction with technology induces.

Traditionally, downtime away from the classroom may have resembled a game of football in the park or a trip into town with friends.

Such events are periods of relatively low levels of brain activity; recognisable faces, familiar locations, repeated interactions and simple tasks do not require vast loads of neural processing.

This is very much downtime — a chance for the brain to rest — and such periods of recovery are
necessary to allow us to be at our best when required.

However, as technology becomes evermore engrained into the lives of many young people, downtime will now include significant periods using digital platforms and devices.

Yet such experiences, although they may seem fairly simple, are very different from a trip to the park. The endless scrolling, the countless videos and the
constant provision of new ideas and information provide an immediate sensory overload.

Although it might not feel like it, and even if the content seems relatively mundane, the brain is forced to process vast amounts of visual, auditory and logical information.

Additionally, such digital experiences are easy to access and provide instant gratification, quickly releasing quantities of the pleasure neurotransmitter dopamine.

Compare this to a game of football: the physical exhaustion, the necessity of teamwork and the dream of victory are replaced by a simple tap of the finger.

Too much time spent in this sphere of sensory overload is dangerous. The brain has little time to recover and, as a result, young people will be entering classrooms and other important environments having had little real downtime. This is without mentioning the impact on factors such as sleep patterns and eyesight.

Pastoral leaders should always preach moderation, educating young people and helping them to understand the harmful effects that such behaviour can unknowingly induce.

Working alongside students individually, to develop strategies to break dangerous cycles of behaviour, especially when they may not be aware of it, is potentially very valuable.

Secondly, is important that we do not underestimate the speed at which these digital tools and spaces are
developing. When I began secondary school, Facebook was the predominant social media website.

Now, it is largely considered dated and young people spend the majority of their time on other platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

New platforms deliver new trends and new interactions, and such mass fluidity in the way young people use digital spaces is important for understanding how to improve support.

Such influences may include patterns in
activities, challenges and fashions. In recent months, we have seen the particularly devastating effect of online trends with the TikTok ‘blackout challenge’.

Even for those staff who do not use social media, staying aware of the key developments in how and why young people might use certain platforms is essential.

This can help tailor care, improve awareness of behaviour patterns and even create a proactive environment where pupils who may be particularly vulnerable to certain trends can be supported more closely.

Just like teachers will understand the dynamics of the corridors and playground, they should also understand (to their best ability) the dynamics of the virtual alternatives.

Finally, we must understand the significant impact that social media can have on the wellbeing of young
people.

A whirlwind of ‘likes’, influencers and virtual behaviours is now widespread.

The desire to compare and contrast these idealistic scenarios with our own lives is a natural human tendency; a seemingly perfect and care-free world, streamed straight to your phone and out-of-touch with real life.

Throw in the opportunity for anonymous messaging and comments, a competition for ‘likes’ and a narrow viewpoint of social acceptability, and you have a perfect recipe for distress and uncertainty.

Pastoral leaders must understand the exposure of young people to these alternative (and fake) existences, to these trends in behaviour and to these ideals of social acceptability.

Educating students on the dangers of this — and ‘finding reality’ again — can be incredibly powerful in raising awareness, building confidence and allowing young people to thrive, whoever they might be.

Now in his eighties, my grandfather has definitely kept up with the digital revolution; I know this all too well, regularly called in to act as an iPad technician.

The challenges that pastoral leaders face today, brought on by these digital tools and platforms, are a world away from that which he knew.

However, one underlying similarity remains, and that is the desire of young people to explore, to challenge, to take risks and to fit in.

With the landscape of the digital world constantly changing, keeping up with the right way to support them can be very difficult.

These factors render our digital age one of great excitement and opportunity, but also one of great challenges.

The danger is not in the tool itself, but in the way we use it; a hammer can break a finger or build a house,
depending on the care we take and the understanding we have.

Whilst the environment that surrounds them
may have evolved significantly, young people are still fundamentally the same. They try new things, they make mistakes but they often learn from them; that is the neuroscience of development.

Whether in the park or online, one aspect remains constant: it is the knowledge, support and guidance which surrounds them that is key.

Charles Walker FRSA
NEC Young Member
Adviser on Young People in the House of Commons

REPORT: NACPE Chair Phil Jones Reports on a Busy NAPCE Weekend in Worcester

A Busy Weekend in Worcester by Phil Jones

The NAPCE team were in Worcester for a weekend of meetings and events at the start of October.

The presentation event for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022 took place on the Friday evening in the Graham Hick Pavilion at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

It was a lovely venue and the prosecco tasted good as we glanced towards the stunning architecture of Worcester Cathedral that lit up on skyline on a “mizzly” early autumn evening.

It was brilliant to have our first ever ‘in person’ awards presentation ceremony and it was great to meet and congratulate the winners and finalists.

There will be more information to share on the good practice demonstrated by the finalists in future editions of the NAPCE newsletter.

On the Saturday morning it was back to work with meetings of the National Executive Committee and the NAPCE Editorial Board at The University of Worcester.

Some of the plans and ideas discussed included the Anniversary Conference and Anniversary Dinner that have been moved to March 11^th, 2023, following the train strike which fell on October 8th.

There was a discussion about organising a conference in the future in Northern Ireland. Watch for news about this and other events in future editions of this bulletin.

On the Saturday evening the NAPCE team had the opportunity to relax with a visit to the oldest pub in Worcester, the Cardinal’s Hat followed by an enjoyable Italian dinner.

It was time to say goodbye at breakfast on the Sunday morning and we’re looking forward to meeting up again in March.

CONFERENCE: National Safeguarding in Education Conference in London a Networking Success for NAPCE

NAPCE was delighted to be represented at the recent National Safeguarding in Education Conference in London organised by Optimus Education.

NAPCE had a display stand at the conference and it was great to speak with delegates about our work supporting Pastoral care in education and to talk about our plans for future events and activities.

The event was very well attended with over 250 delegates from different parts of the United Kingdom filling the Excel Centre suite.

It was also a great opportunity to raise awareness about NAPCE and how it shares good practice and supports the work of teachers and other professionals working in pastoral roles.

National Chair, Phil Jones and National Executive member Luke Ramsden were invited to speak at the conference.

Their presentation explored the importance of using pastoral systems in a school to develop a positive culture for safeguarding.

The pair shared ideas about how strategies such as student voice and open and transparent leadership supports the building of a positive culture.

The presentation used scenarios to examine different safeguarding situations that staff might face and delegates had an opportunity to share their expertise and ideas about how to respond.

VACANCIES: Fancy Joining NAPCE’s National Executive Committee?

This is your opportunity to join the UK’s leading pastoral care support organisation.

Now in our 40th year, we are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for you to jon the for the NAPCE National Executive Committee (NEC).

This is your chance to help shape the future of pastoral care and change the lives of young people in our schools.

Of course, we’re looking for people who fit the experience criteria for a post on our board and for professionals with energy and enthusiasm who want to make a difference.

We’re looking for applications for 2023 which would cover a two year term on the NEC. For more information and/or to make an application, please contact us via admin@napce.org.uk

GOOD PRACTICE: We Shine a Spotlight on the Great Work of the Finalists in “International Contribution” at NAPCE Awards 2021

Good Practice in Pastoral Care in Education

NAPCE is pleased to raise awareness about good practice in pastoral care in education highlighted by the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education.

This month it is the turn of last year’s finalists in the International Contribution to Pastoral Care category sponsored by the Hult International Business School.

This award is for an international school or organisation outside of the UK or an individual working in research or in an international school outside of the UK, that has promoted or delivered high quality pastoral care.

The winner in this category in 2021 was Bromsgrove International School, Thailand. 

Their nomination was for the creation and launch of the Bromsgrove Boarding Skills Awards scheme, which allows students a unique opportunity to reflect on their development and growth in boarding as well as obtaining micro-credentials.

The modules focused on characteristics required for later life and have a positive impact on academic work.

While the boarders do not have much time to ‘get bored’, equipping them with new skills to ensure they keep active helps with their mental health, an area increasingly prominent in pastoral care.

The scheme empowers students to better themselves and the community they live in, setting them on a path to become outstanding global citizens.

Other nominations in this category included Stephany Herzog, International School of Zug and Luzern. 

Stephany’s work with inclusion at ISZL has had a powerful impact on many young people’s lives.

She works with students, staff, and the wider community to ensure the school stands behind its inclusion policy.

The nomination included the comment, “We Are All ISZL”, whatever their gender expression, identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion.

She has developed and nurtured the school’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Network. Her work with students and staff has given an opportunity for people who may feel reluctant to share their voice a safe place to be heard and the chance to drive change forward.

Another example of good practice in this category was the nomination for Child1st Consultancy Limited, for the work of Ann Marie Christian.

Ann Marie has delivered training and consultancy to international schools since 2008. She was headhunted and recommended to a CEO of a school in Dubai and continues to deliver this work.

She has spoken at International Conferences in the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Far East. She writes articles and raises the awareness of the importance of well-being and educating people internationally about child abuse and how to report it and spot the signs.

In 2019 Ann Marie was recognised and won the Wintrade International Award for Women in the Public Sector. She is an associate consultant for COIS and BSME.
 
The closing date for nominations for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE is on 30th May, 2022, so now is the time to spend a few minutes making a nomination to recognise the good practice and hard work of people working in pastoral care in education to make a difference in the education of children and young people.

ENTER NOW: https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2022-entry-form/

Nominations are free and a grand presentation event is planned for October to announce the winners in each category.

More information can be found at https://www.napce.org.uk/napce-awards-2022-entry-now-open/                                                                                         

WELCOME: Meet New NAPCE NEC Member Luke Ramsden

Welcome to Luke Ramsden

We are very pleased to welcome Luke Ramsden as a member of the NAPCE National Executive Committee.

Luke is Senior Deputy Headteacher and senior Safeguarding Lead at St Benedict’s School in Ealing in London Luke was the winner of the Pastoral Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by Taylor and Francis, in the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2021 organised by NAPCE.

This award is for a leader who has a passion for pastoral care that is shared with colleagues to inspire and motivate them to make a real difference in the lives of the young people they work with.

His nomination for the award explained how Luke had been responsible for developing outstanding safeguarding and pastoral practice at St Benedict’s School and how he has introduced a range of initiatives that have promoted the safety and wellbeing of pupils.

This has included successful campaigns to tackle bullying, peer-on-peer abuse and mental health issues where Luke has made use of accurate data to identify, predict and effectively target problems.

Luke is also the Chair of a Safeguarding Advisory Panel that provides expert advice and is regularly invited to speak at safeguarding events and conferences.

His contribution to the development of effective safeguarding and pastoral practice has been truly outstanding.

Luke started his teaching career at Tonbridge School where he was Head of History and was then a Housemaster at Ampleforth College before moving to Ealing.

In his role as Senior Deputy Head he is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, as well as the pastoral oversight of all the students and overseeing the school’s PSHE programme (among a number of other roles).

In his time at St Benedict’s the school has become a flagship school for safeguarding and pastoral care, with the happiness of every student placed firmly at the heart of all the school does.

Luke regularly talks at educational conferences, and writes on safeguarding, pastoral care, and in particular the use of data to inform excellence in both these areas.

Among other positions Luke holds outside St Benedict’s is as Trustee of the School’s Consent Project charity.

We are delighted that Luke has become a member of the National Executive Committee and he has already started contributing to the work of the Association and will be speaking at the June online conference and at the National Safeguarding Conference in London in September on behalf of NAPCE.

If you might be interested in contributing to the work of NAPCE as a member of the National Executive Committee then you first need to become a member of the Association.

Please contact admin@napce.org.uk to let us know that you are interested in contributing to the work of the Association and for further details.

It would be great to hear form you if you are interested in pastoral care in education and are passionate about supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential from their education.                                                                                            

CONFERENCE: FREE Tickets Available Now for NAPCE Online Spring Conference 2022

Online Spring Conference 2022

‘How can effective pastoral care support learners and prepare them for their future roles in society’? 

After months of planning for the NAPCE Online Conference 2022 we now have less than one month to wait for the event.

If you haven’t secured your place already, now is the time to book your ticket, so you do not miss out on the brilliant line up of speakers who are covering important issues for everybody interested in pastoral care or working in a pastoral role in education.

You can join one of the biggest events on the pastoral calendar with the ‘Pastoral Question Time’ on the Thursday evening of the Conference.

Pour yourself a glass of wine or cup of tea, send in your questions (to admin@napce.org.uk ) and listen to the views of our expert panel from around the world.

Join other people interested in pastoral care in education live on the evening by registering on Eventbrite for your ticket.

The links for the events will be sent out to ticket holders in the next few weeks.

BOOK FREE TICKETS HERE:
https://napce-june-conference-22.eventbrite.co.uk

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Wednesday 15 June
2-00pm Welcome to the Conference – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE
2-10pm Presentation 1– The School Response to Online Sexual Harassment and Abuse., Professor Kaitlyn Mendes, University of western Ontario Canada.
2-40pm Questions
2-45pm Presentation 2 – Developing Effective Supervision for Safeguarding, Carl Elder, Educational Consultant
3-15pm Questions
3-20pm Presentation 3 – The Rock and Roll Years for Education and the Lessons for Pastoral Care, Les Walton, CBE, Educationalist and Author
3-50pm Questions
3-55pm Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Thursday 16^th June
7-00pm to 8-00pm NAPCE QUESTION TIME – How can pastoral care and support in schools enable young people to achieve their full potential? 
Chaired by Phil Jones – Chair of NAPCE
Invited onto panel,
Dr Noel Purdy– Deputy Editor of Pastoral Care in Education.
Maria O’Neil – Author ‘Proactive Pastoral Care
Dr Mark Diacoupolos, Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching and Leadership, Pittsburg State University. USA
Charlie Walker, Student member of NAPCE National Executive.
Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London.
Dr Helen O’Connor, St Swithins’ School Psychologist.

Friday 17^th June 
10-00am Welcome – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE
10-10am Presentation 4 – Using data to Create a Proactive Pastoral Strategy, Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London
10-40 Questions
10-45am Presentation 5 – Lessons from Pastoral Care in a Special School, Nadine Huseyin, Family Support, Pastoral and Safeguarding lead, the Grove School Tottenham
11-15am Questions
11-20am Presentation 6 –The future Challenges of Managing Behaviour, Phil Jones, National Chair, The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education
11-50 am Questions
11-55am Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Speakers and guests on the Question Time panel include:

Dr Helen O’Connor – Following a Clinical Doctorate from Royal Holloway University in 2001 Helen developed a specialist interest in OCD and eating disorders and worked for 14years within CAMHS and in her last position before leaving the NHS as the Lead Consultant Psychologist for a Psychological Therapies team within an adolescent inpatient unit. Helen left the NHS to work at St Swithun’s in 2015 as the schools Psychologist. Whilst working primarily with girls both preventing and managing mental health problems, Helen has developed an interest in helping teachers and education leaders consider ways of improving wellbeing for pupils in the classroom. Helen has introduced a positive education curriculum and this has now been nominated for a TES award for Pastoral Initiative of the Year 2022.

Dr Kaitlyn Mendes – Kaitlynn Mendes, PhD, is Associate Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair in Inequality and Gender at the University of Western Ontario, Canada and Honorary Professor of Gender, Media, and Sociology at the University of Leicester, UK. She has written widely about young people’s experiences of sexual violence, and the creative ways they have used digital technologies to challenge it. She is author of numerous books and articles including: Digital Feminist Activism: Girls and Women Fight Back Against Rape Culture (2019) and is currently co-writing a book called: Life After Lockdown: Young People, Schools, and Recovering from the Pandemic.

My presentation will focus on the crisis in schools around sexual violence, stemming from the Instagram site and website Everyone’s Invited, and the ways schools and teachers have struggled to respond. The talk is based on research conducted between March 2021-March 2022 with nearly 1000 young people and 77 teachers in England.

Dr Noel Purdy

MA (Cantab), MA (Ed.), MEd, PhD, PGCE, PGCCET, SFHEA, FLF, FCMI, CMgr
Director of Research and Scholarship, Head of Education Studies
Stranmillis University College, Belfast

Dr Noel Purdy is Director of Research and Scholarship and Head of Education Studies at Stranmillis University College, where he is also Director of CREU (the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement).  He lectures at undergraduate and postgraduate level and has a particular research interest in educational underachievement, special educational needs and tackling bullying in schools.  He studied Modern and Medieval Languages at Cambridge University before teaching French and German in two post-primary schools (one all-ability, one grammar) in Northern Ireland. He has also taught in Germany and Switzerland.  He was the northern co-chair of the all-Ireland Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South (SCoTENS) 2016-2021 and remains on their steering committee.  He is a member and former chair of the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF 2013-2016) and was President of NASEN in Northern Ireland (2014-2016).  Recent research projects include a two-year Erasmus+ project working with 4 other EU partners to address cyberbullying in schools, a study of parental experiences of the SEN system in Northern Ireland funded by NICCY, two surveys of parental experiences of lockdown home-schooling in Northern Ireland in 2020 and 2021, a report on loyalist and republican former prisoners’ attitudes to educational underachievement, and (currently) a study of perceptions of level 4 and 5 vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland funded by the Department for the Economy. He is Editor (Acting) of Pastoral Care in Education – An International Journal of Personal, Social and Emotional Development. He chaired the Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement in Northern Ireland 2020-2021 whose final report and action plan A Fair Start was launched on 1 June 2021.  Most recently in February 2022 he was appointed Chair of the Steering Committee to review the 2013 Action Plan on Bullying in Ireland, appointed by Education Minister Norma Foley TD.

For more information about the presenters and guests 
on the Question Time Panel please follow us on Twitter @NAPCE1 or visit the ticket link here
https://napce-june-conference-22.eventbrite.co.uk

CELEBRATION DINNER: Join us to Celebrate NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary

You are invited to the Anniversary dinner to celebrate the 40 years since NAPCE was formed.

It will be an opportunity to meet with other people who have contributed to the history of NAPCE and to celebrate the difference it has made for raising awareness about pastoral care in education and the difference it makes to the learning experience for children and young people and supports their personal development to prepare them for their future lives in society.

This event will take place at the Worcestershire Cricket Ground, overlooking the Severn River and cathedral in Worcester.

It takes place on Saturday 8^th October as part of a weekend of events to celebrate the anniversary which include a two-day conference and the presentation for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022.

The event is open to members and non-members.

Availability is limited and you are advised to reserve your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be reserved by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/napce-40th-anniversary-dinner-tickets-299335118397

The programme for the evening is,

7-00pm Guests Arrive – Prosecco Welcome Reception.
7-30pm Three Course Anniversary Dinner.

Dinner menu

5. Starter                       
5. Cream of Leek, Potato and Watercress Soup, Croutons (V) (GF)
5. Main course             
5. Roasted Chicken Supreme, Gratin Potato, and Red Wine Gravy (GF
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Vegetarian/Vegan Gluten Free option 

5. Starter
5. Leek, Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup (GF)
5. Main course
5. Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Peppers, Parsley and Dill Sauce with Tender Stem Broccoli (GF)
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Please advise in advance of the evening if you would prefer the vegetarian option or if you have any additional dietary requirements.

8-30pm After Dinner Speaker – Les Walton CBE

Les as he explains in his recently published book ’Education the Rock and Roll Years. A Northern Perspective on A lifetime of learning Teaching and Leading’, was one of the leading educationalists involved in the forming of NAPCE in 1982.

As the title of the book suggests, Les has a wide experience of education in recent history that he will share with guests at the dinner.

9-30 pm Pay bar available until 11-00 pm to meet old friends and make new friends. Please note this is a cashless venue.

The cost of the Anniversary Dinner is £35.00 for full members of NAPCE, £40.00 for Associate members and £45.00 for non- members.

Please dress to impress.

Please note that tickets will not be refunded unless the event is cancelled by the Association for reasons beyond its control when a full refund will be made.

There are direct train services from London to Worcester Foregate Station which is a ten-minute walk or short taxi ride from the venue.

Cross country trains call at the new Worcestershire Parkway, which has connections to Foregate Street. There is parking available at the venue and at public car parks nearby.

The venue has a Premier Inn Hotel on the site and there is a good choice of other options for accommodation in the city of Worcester.

Please book your tickets early to ensure that you do not miss this important event in NAPCE’s history to celebrate the contribution it has made to education in the last 40 years.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact NAPCE administration at admin@napce.co.uk

40th ANNIVERSARY: Weekend Conference Details Released to Mark Four Decades of NAPCE

We are very proud to reveal details of the weekend conference to mark NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary in October.

Further details are being added in the coming weeks.

Dates for the Diary

The 40^th Anniversary Conference and Events Weekend – October 2022

Venue
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
County Ground
New Road
Worcester
WR2 4QQ

Friday 7^th October

Conference Day One

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Research and Policy making.

Confirmed Speakers

Dr Noel Purdy – Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Deputy Editor of ‘Pastoral Care in Education’
Maria O Neil – Educationalist and author of ‘Proactive Pastoral Care’
Professor Helen Cowie – University of Surrey

Invited and waiting for confirmation 

The Rt Hon Nadim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education
Ofsted
Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Saturday 8^th October 

Conference Day Two

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Good Practice.
Daniel Sobel – Educationalist, author and founder and CEO of Inclusion Expert
Ron Skelton – Headteacher and CEO of Broadway School, Perry Barr, Birmingham
Dr Helen O Connor – Psychologist at St Swithun’s School in Winchester
Invited and to be confirmed
Mrs Heather Hansbury, President, Girls School Association

Workshops include:

Jill Robson – NAPCE National Secretary – Effective PSHE

Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Tickets: https://napce2022.eventbrite.co.uk/

Reduced price tickets will be available for NAPCE members, and a reduced-price ticket will be available for both days of the conference.

Other Events planned for the Anniversary weekend in Worcester include 

Friday 7^th October 7-00pm
Presentation Event for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 

AWARDS: Entry for the NAPCE Awards 2022 Closes on May 30th

There are just a few days left to enter the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022 organised by NAPCE.

The third annual NAPCE awards takes place in our 40^th anniversary year for the Association and we are inviting everybody with a pastoral role or an interest in how pastoral care in education can support children and young people to achieve their full potential.

The closing date for nominations is 30^th May 2022 and the judges will then have the difficult task of deciding who the finalists and winners will be in each category.

We are looking for the people, teams and organisations that make a real difference in the learning experience of children and young people and want to recognise their achievements and celebrate their good practice.

The categories for the awards this year are:-

Pastoral School of the Year
A school that can demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and support for learners that makes a real difference in the progress and personal development of young people in the school.

Pastoral Team of the Year
A team that works in pastoral care and can demonstrate a determination to support young people to achieve their full potential and a positive impact on the young people they work with.

Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
A member of staff who works in pastoral care and who always makes the extra effort to support young people to enable them to become effective learners and achieve success.

Pastoral Leader of the Year
Has a passion for pastoral care that is shared with colleagues to inspire and motivate them to make a real difference in the lives of the young people they work with.

Pastoral Development of the Year
A pastoral initiative or idea that has achieved positive outcomes and has improved the learning experience and future life chances, for young people.

Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
A person, group or organisation that has made a real difference in pastoral care, for the benefit of young people.

International Contribution to Pastoral Care
An international school, organisation outside of the UK or an individual working in research or in an international school outside of the UK, that has promoted or delivered high quality pastoral care.
 
Raising Awareness about Pastoral Care
An individual, group or organisation who through their actions have raised awareness about pastoral care or pastoral issues and encouraged positive improvements for the benefit of young people.

The maximum number of words to support a nomination is being increased from 100 words to 300 words this year so there will be every opportunity to describe the good practice and the impact it is making.

Nominations can be made for excellent contributions to research, for raising awareness and for good practice in pastoral care in education from the 2021 -2022 academic year. The sponsors and panel of judges will be announced shortly.

A grand live presentation event is planned for the anniversary year in the autumn to announce the winners.

All finalists will receive a certificate form NAPCE to recognise their achievements and winners will receive a plaque and a £100.00 cash prize.

Make sure your good practice is recognised by making a nomination today.
 
To make a nomination for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE go to https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2022-entry-form/

REPORT: NAPCE NEC Meets in Person for First Time Since Pandemic Started

After nearly three years following restrictions caused by the global pandemic, it was great for NAPCE members to meet up in person again for the March meetings.

The National Executive meeting took place in the morning followed by the Annual General Meeting at lunchtime and the Editorial Board Meeting in the afternoon.

The venue was Worcestershire County Cricket Ground in Worcester which will be the venue for the conferences, events, and meetings to celebrate the 40th anniversary of NAPCE in October.

The meetings took place in the View Conference Centre. This is on the third floor and has excellent views of the cricket ground and cathedral from the balcony and views of the River Severn and the City from the rear.

Unfortunately, COVID still made an impact, and it was only possible for some people to attend by video link on the large screen in the conference room.

This meant that the people attending in person had to make an extra effort to enjoy the excellent refreshments!

There were discussions at the meetings about plans for the free online conference in June, the ‘in person’ conference in October, the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022 and the presentation event and the Anniversary Dinner which takes place over the anniversary celebration weekend in October.

There were positive reports about the Association’s academic journal, ‘Pastoral Care in Education’ with its reputation around the world for raising awareness about research and practice in pastoral care in education continuing to grow.

News about the plans for a special edition of the Journal to celebrate the 40th anniversary were shared and updates were given on the progress made.

The engagement with NAPCE through social media continues to grow and it was good to hear that even during the pandemic more people are engaging with NAPCE and taking an interest in its work to raise awareness about pastoral care in education.

The Association has a sound financial position and is well supported by the administrative team.

Mel O’ Grady has now stepped down form her role providing administrative support for NAPCE, and special thanks were given for her work for several years supporting the Association.

Members were informed about the work of NAPCE in the previous year and plans for the year ahead at the Annual General Meeting.

Reports were presented from the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Editor of the Journal.

The reports gave members a positive picture of the Association’s work and made them aware of the exciting plans for events and activities in the future.

Our Journal editor, Professor Stan Tucker, is currently recovering from surgery and Dr Noel Purdy is acting as editor.

Everybody wished Stan a speedy recovery and sent best wishes.

An amendment to the constitution was agreed at the AGM to clarify that anybody contributing to decision making as a member of the National Executive or editorial board or any other sub committee that may be formed in the future must be a member of NAPCE.

This means that decisions for members are made by members and ensures that decision makers are covered by the Association’s insurance and are compliant with the governance expectations of the Charities Commission.

The next meetings of the National Executive and Editorial Board will take place in Worcester as part of the anniversary weekend.

There are plans for the March 2023 meetings to take place in central London.

ARTICLE: Creating Sense of Self to Find Young Carers by Dr Dee Gray

While young carer figures are often accompanied by the caveat that they are ‘underestimated’, we have rough numbers of approximately 30,000 carers under the age of 25 in Wales, 29,000 in Scotland, 6,500 in Northern Ireland, and 800,000 in England.

The reasons why these figures are ‘underestimated’ and are therefore inaccurate vary.

Most obviously there inaccuracy is due to the timing of studies (the last published census was in 2011, the next is due summer 2022), to the shifting negative influences that affect the health of the population and thereby increasing the need for young carers (Covid being a prime example), and surprisingly perhaps the fact that some young carers do not want to be found.

Why young carers might not want to be found often relates to the stigma attached to caring roles, especially when those being cared for have mental health or drug and alcohol problems (The Children’s Society, 2013).

When we look at the experiential learning of young carers it is a mixed bag of positives and negatives.

On the plus side, young carers have unique experiences that develop their leadership and interpersonal skills, they learn how to budget, how to provide often complex health and social care, and are a dab hand at showing compassion to others. Their value to society is huge.

On the negative side however, young carers are often bullied at school, and are isolated from the usual social activities that contribute towards a sense of self and belonging.

When young carers ‘slip through the pastoral net’, their mental health is impacted, often their academic potential is unfulfilled, so the likelihood of reduced employment opportunities becomes all too real.

Awareness of the pastoral needs of young carers is growing and many schools are actively involved in identifying, and making a real and positive difference to the young carers within the school setting.

There is always more to do however, which can be a challenge when resources are tight.

A few years ago I was invited to adapt a wellbeing programme (originally designed for and being delivered to frontline staff in stressful occupations), for delivery to young carers and school staff in Wales.

The programme ran over a few months and, although the numbers involved were small, as a case study it demonstrated how the value of young carers in the school could be improved, and with that the identification of young carers.

From this grew the establishment of the Young Carers Academy, a not for profit organisation based in Wales.

The Young Carers Academy runs along a central wellbeing theme, so everything we do spins out from it and then spins back into it.

We co-produce everything with young carers, even our website and branding comes from them. \

All of this takes time, but it contributes to a young carer sense of identity and of creating their own space, something they want to belong to, not something we tell them, however well meaning, is a good idea.

There are a fair few reasons why co-production supports this, but the real insight into why we do things this way relates back to ‘not wanting to be found’.

The simple truth is like many young people, young carers are often reluctant to stand out, because they want to fit in.

By exposing their home conditions and unmet needs to others in the school, we risk creating the psychologically unsafe spaces we are trying to address.

The wellbeing methodology we use at the Young Carers Academy is about creating and finding a way to being a ‘best self’ (Gray. D., Jones. K. 2018).

The methodology is the same tried and tested approach I undertook with frontline staff, and it works with young carers because they too are often on the frontline Gray. D. (2017).

The approach adapted for them is simple, and requires in essence for them to recall times of happiness, and then to add to these memories through a range of new co-produced experiences.

Being part of the co-creation of the Young Carers Academy is one of those potentially life changing experiences.

It is early days but it is hoped that the general idea to develop their salutogenic way of experiencing the world, will stand them in good stead for what life throws at them in the future.

If you would like to find out more about our work at the Young Carers Academy, please contact me at dee@youngcarersacademy.org

Dr Dee Gray
Young Carers Academy

1. Hounsell. D. (2013) Hidden from View: the experiences of young carers in England. The Children’s Society. https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-10/hidden_from_view_final.pdf
2. https://socialcare.wales/hub/hub-resource-sub-categories/young-carers-and-young-adult-carers

3. Gray. D., Jones. K. (2018) “The resilience and wellbeing of public sector leaders”, International Journal of Public Leadership, Vol. 14 Issue: 3, pp.138-154, https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPL-09-2017-0033
4. Gray. D. (2017) The Resilience and Wellbeing of Carers – Developing the Third Workforce. Forum Conference Proceedings International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare: Building Capability and Leadership. Kuala Lumpur, 24-26 August 2017, Kuala Lumpur
                                                                                           

CONFERENCE: FREE Tickets Available Now for NAPCE Online Spring Conference 2022

Online Spring Conference 2022

‘How can effective pastoral care support learners and prepare them for their future roles in society’?

FREE Online Conference over three days 

Tickets are going fast for the free online conference being organised by NAPCE in June 2022.

With a brilliant line up of expert speakers and a great Question Time panel this is the conference for everybody who is interested in pastoral care in education and the difference it can make to a young person’s learning experience and life chances.

Last year’s conference sold out a month before the event, so go to Eventbrite today to register for your tickets.

PROGRAMME
Wednesday 15 June
2-00pm Welcome to the Conference – Phil Jones, Chair of NAPCE
2-10pm Presentation 1– The School Response to Online Sexual Harassment and Abuse., Professor Kaitlyn Mendes, University of western Ontario Canada.
2-40pm Questions
2-45pm Presentation 2 – Developing Effective Supervision for Safeguarding, Carl Elder, Educational Consultant
3-15pm Questions
3-20pm Presentation 3 – The Rock and Roll Years for Education and the Lessons for Pastoral Care, LesWalton, CBE, Educationalist and Author
3-50pm Questions
3-55pm Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Thursday 16^th June

7-00pm to 8-00pm NAPCE QUESTION TIME – How can pastoral care and support in schools enable young people to achieve their full potential? 
Chaired by Phil Jones – Chair of NAPCE
Invited onto panel,
Dr Noel Purdy– Deputy Editor of Pastoral Care in Education.
Maria O’Neill – Author ‘Proactive Pastoral Care
Dr Mark Diacoupolos, Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching and Leadership, Pittsburg State University. USA
Charlie Walker, Student member of NAPCE National Executive.
Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London.
Dr Helen O’Connor, St Swithins’ School Psychologist.

Friday 17^th June 
10-00am Welcome – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE
10-10am Presentation 4 – Using data to Create a Proactive Pastoral Strategy, Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London
10-40am Questions
10-45am Presentation 5 – Lessons from Pastoral Care in a Special School, Nadine Huseyin, Family Support, Pastoral and Safeguarding lead, the Grove School Tottenham
11-15am Questions
11-20am Presentation 6 – Wellbeing – Early Intervention Made Easy, Alex Kyriacou, Director, UOK Wellbeing
11-50am Questions
11-55am Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Follow the link to book your FREE tickets https://napce-june-conference-22.eventbrite.co.uk

The links for each event in the Conference will be sent to people who have registered for tickets in June. 

CELEBRATION DINNER: Join us to Celebrate NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary

You are invited to the Anniversary dinner to celebrate the 40 years since NAPCE was formed.

It will be an opportunity to meet with other people who have contributed to the history of NAPCE and to celebrate the difference it has made for raising awareness about pastoral care in education and the difference it makes to the learning experience for children and young people and supports their personal development to prepare them for their future lives in society.

This event will take place at the Worcestershire Cricket Ground, overlooking the Severn River and cathedral in Worcester.

It takes place on Saturday 8^th October as part of a weekend of events to celebrate the anniversary which include a two-day conference and the presentation for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022.

The event is open to members and non-members.

Availability is limited and you are advised to reserve your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be reserved by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/napce-40th-anniversary-dinner-tickets-299335118397

The programme for the evening is,

7-00pm Guests Arrive – Prosecco Welcome Reception.
7-30pm Three Course Anniversary Dinner.

Dinner menu

5. Starter                       
5. Cream of Leek, Potato and Watercress Soup, Croutons (V) (GF)
5. Main course             
5. Roasted Chicken Supreme, Gratin Potato, and Red Wine Gravy (GF
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Vegetarian/Vegan Gluten Free option 

5. Starter
5. Leek, Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup (GF)
5. Main course
5. Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Peppers, Parsley and Dill Sauce with Tender Stem Broccoli (GF)
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Please advise in advance of the evening if you would prefer the vegetarian option or if you have any additional dietary requirements.

8-30pm After Dinner Speaker – Les Walton CBE

Les as he explains in his recently published book ’Education the Rock and Roll Years. A Northern Perspective on A lifetime of learning Teaching and Leading’, was one of the leading educationalists involved in the forming of NAPCE in 1982.

As the title of the book suggests, Les has a wide experience of education in recent history that he will share with guests at the dinner.

9-30 pm Pay bar available until 11-00 pm to meet old friends and make new friends. Please note this is a cashless venue.

The cost of the Anniversary Dinner is £35.00 for full members of NAPCE, £40.00 for Associate members and £45.00 for non- members.

Please dress to impress.

Please note that tickets will not be refunded unless the event is cancelled by the Association for reasons beyond its control when a full refund will be made.

There are direct train services from London to Worcester Foregate Station which is a ten-minute walk or short taxi ride from the venue.

Cross country trains call at the new Worcestershire Parkway, which has connections to Foregate Street. There is parking available at the venue and at public car parks nearby.

The venue has a Premier Inn Hotel on the site and there is a good choice of other options for accommodation in the city of Worcester.

Please book your tickets early to ensure that you do not miss this important event in NAPCE’s history to celebrate the contribution it has made to education in the last 40 years.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact NAPCE administration at admin@napce.co.uk

40th ANNIVERSARY: Weekend Conference Details Released to Mark Four Decades of NAPCE

We are very proud to reveal details of the weekend conference to mark NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary in October.

Further details are being added in the coming weeks.

Dates for the Diary

The 40^th Anniversary Conference and Events Weekend – October 2022

Venue
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
County Ground
New Road
Worcester
WR2 4QQ

Friday 7^th October

Conference Day One

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Research and Policy making.

Confirmed Speakers

Dr Noel Purdy – Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Deputy Editor of ‘Pastoral Care in Education’
Maria O Neil – Educationalist and author of ‘Proactive Pastoral Care’
Professor Helen Cowie – University of Surrey

Invited and waiting for confirmation 

The Rt Hon Nadim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education
Ofsted
Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Saturday 8^th October 

Conference Day Two

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Good Practice.
Daniel Sobel – Educationalist, author and founder and CEO of Inclusion Expert
Ron Skelton – Headteacher and CEO of Broadway School, Perry Barr, Birmingham
Dr Helen O Connor – Psychologist at St Swithun’s School in Winchester
Invited and to be confirmed
Mrs Heather Hansbury, President, Girls School Association

Workshops include:

Jill Robson – NAPCE National Secretary – Effective PSHE

Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Tickets: https://napce2022.eventbrite.co.uk/

Reduced price tickets will be available for NAPCE members, and a reduced-price ticket will be available for both days of the conference.

Other Events planned for the Anniversary weekend in Worcester include 

Friday 7^th October 7-00pm
Presentation Event for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 

AWARDS: Entry for the NAPCE Awards 2022 Closes on May 30th

There is just over one month left to enter the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022 organised by NAPCE.

The third annual NAPCE awards takes place in our 40^th anniversary year for the Association and we are inviting everybody with a pastoral role or an interest in how pastoral care in education can support children and young people to achieve their full potential.

The closing date for nominations is 30^th May 2022 and the judges will then have the difficult task of deciding who the finalists and winners will be in each category.

We are looking for the people, teams and organisations that make a real difference in the learning experience of children and young people and want to recognise their achievements and celebrate their good practice.

The categories for the awards this year are:-

Pastoral School of the Year
A school that can demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and support for learners that makes a real difference in the progress and personal development of young people in the school.

Pastoral Team of the Year
A team that works in pastoral care and can demonstrate a determination to support young people to achieve their full potential and a positive impact on the young people they work with.

Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
A member of staff who works in pastoral care and who always makes the extra effort to support young people to enable them to become effective learners and achieve success.

Pastoral Leader of the Year
Has a passion for pastoral care that is shared with colleagues to inspire and motivate them to make a real difference in the lives of the young people they work with.

Pastoral Development of the Year
A pastoral initiative or idea that has achieved positive outcomes and has improved the learning experience and future life chances, for young people.

Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
A person, group or organisation that has made a real difference in pastoral care, for the benefit of young people.

International Contribution to Pastoral Care
An international school, organisation outside of the UK or an individual working in research or in an international school outside of the UK, that has promoted or delivered high quality pastoral care.
 
Raising Awareness about Pastoral Care
An individual, group or organisation who through their actions have raised awareness about pastoral care or pastoral issues and encouraged positive improvements for the benefit of young people.

The maximum number of words to support a nomination is being increased from 100 words to 300 words this year so there will be every opportunity to describe the good practice and the impact it is making.

Nominations can be made for excellent contributions to research, for raising awareness and for good practice in pastoral care in education from the 2021 -2022 academic year. The sponsors and panel of judges will be announced shortly.

A grand live presentation event is planned for the anniversary year in the autumn to announce the winners.

All finalists will receive a certificate form NAPCE to recognise their achievements and winners will receive a plaque and a £100.00 cash prize.

Make sure your good practice is recognised by making a nomination today.
 
To make a nomination for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE go to https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2022-entry-form/

GOOD PRACTICE: Leading Pastoral Care Practice from NAPCE Awards “Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care” Finalists

Celebrating Good Practice in Pastoral Care in Education.
 
NAPCE is proud to be able to highlight the excellent work that is being done in pastoral care in education.

The National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE highlights the difference that is made by professionals working in pastoral roles.

This month we are recognising the excellent work that was highlighted by the contributions to the category ‘Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care’.

This award, sponsored by NAPCE, is for a person, group or organisation that has made a real difference in pastoral care, for the benefit of young people.
 
The proud winner of this award in 2021, were Achieve NI from Belfast in Northern Ireland.

The nomination reported on how Mandy McDermott and her team at AchieveNI had made an outstanding contribution to the pastoral care at various schools and colleges throughout Northern Ireland.

They have designed and delivered many issue-based training packages on issues relating to Emotional well-being such as ‘Emotional Intelligence’, ‘Anger Management’, ‘Stress and Anxiety’ and ‘Primary School Transition’. 

They have also provided one-to-one counselling support to those young people who are navigating difficult times.

Mandy and her team at AchieveNI have made immeasurable differences in the lives of many young people spanning many years.

They carry out this work with passion, commitment, and dedication, never turning any young person away and they deserved recognition for this.

The finalists in this category included Jan Ashton from Nidderdale High School, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire. 

Jan excels as a Pastoral Leader ensuring close contact with students and families.

She maintained this in recent challenging times in some unusual and creative ways.

Jan made care packages for students feeling low, she planted trees, filled pastoral pamper hampers, wrote recognition postcards, sent letters of comfort and care for those who were bereaved and study packages for those preparing for exams.

Every single student known to her received a reminder of some sort to let them know that she was there.

Jan made sure closure, distance and virtual worlds did not mean any loss of pastoral care.

Also nominated in this category was Sarah Cockerline, from Oakfield School, Hull. 

This residential school has been Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ for 3 years in a row.  

Their knowledge and expertise in pastoral care has been shared with schools across England.

They provide each pupil with specific individualised care and support.

Pupils assist in the creation of their Individual Behaviour Education Care Plan which is aimed at developing independence, self-reliance, confidence, self-esteem, and independent living.

This year they have introduced the LEAP provision.

This is their Life Enriching Activity Programme, as an extended days offer to enhance the lives of complex pupils who attend Daily, making a real difference to the pupils in their care.

Nicola Wright, from Nidderdale High School, Pately Bridge, North Yorkshire, was nominated in this category for her work in pastoral care n the 2020-21 academic year.

Nicola completely reinvented her pastoral role during the lockdown periods to ensure that close pastoral contact was maintained daily throughout the home learning periods.

She produced an online daily newsletter called ‘Check In’ for students to share their highs and lows through photography, creative writing, artwork, news, and humour.

The Check In became a welcome daily, co-created contact shared throughout the community keeping tight the precious links between us all and ensuring outstanding pastoral contact and care continued to envelop the school.

An outstanding Nidderdale Pastoral project, shared by the LA as an example of excellence. 
  
The last finalist in this category in 2021 was Claire Gibbs, Ridgeway Secondary School, Redditch, Worcestershire. 

Claire has worked for Ridgeway for over 20 years she is relentless in her commitment to young people and has impacted so many young lives positively.

Claire is one of our most valued and key staff members and selflessly dedicates her time and support every day.

Claire deserves recognition for her work, and she is appreciated by her school for everything she does for the students.

Congratulations to everybody involved in these examples of excellent pastoral care.

Do not miss your opportunity to nominate for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in education organised by NAPCE.

Making a nomination is easy and it ensures that staff supporting pastoral care are valued and get the recognition they deserve. 

You can nominate here: https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2022-entry-form/

REPORT: Chair & Secretary Reports from NAPCE 2021/22 AGM in March

Chair/Secretary Report 2021/22 
For The National Association for Pastoral Care in Education (NAPCE)

The Association through the National Executive Committee (NEC) continues to maintain strong financial management and governance.

The NEC at its meetings and through the work of its members ensures sound strategic planning and internal accountability for the activities of the Association.

The NEC ensures, (that as a non profit making charity which aims to support pastoral care in education), the work of its members, NEC and sub committees including the Editorial Board (EB) has the support needed to achieve its aims including administrative, financial, and appropriate insurance.

The National Executive has the responsibility for ensuring that the Association meets the governance expectations of the Charities Commission. The strategic priorities for the NEC this year have been.

1. Planning events and conferences, where appropriate in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NAPCE is active in the educational world.
2. To expand the activities of the NAPCE to enable the Association to interact with an increasing number of people with an interest in pastoral care in education.
3. To develop the role of NAPCE as a provider of training and professional development, to share theory and good practice in pastoral care.
4. To continue to develop the structure and organisation of the Association to meet the current and future needs of its members.
5. To raise the profile of NAPCE and the Journal in the educational world

Once again this has not been a normal year for the Association because of the impact of the global pandemic.

Like most organisations, the pandemic and restrictions required have prevented events where people meet in person which has historically been an important part of the Associations activities, and this has brought challenges for NAPCE and a need to adapt and work in diverse ways.

The NEC identified the strategic challenges that the restrictions caused by the pandemic would bring to the Association.

1. To be financially secure.
2. To continue to engage and interact with people with an interest in pastoral care in education.
3. To sustain interest in the work of NAPCE, to maintain and increase membership.
4. To support professionals with an interest in pastoral care and explore new ways to support professionals, to ensure that the Association continues to have positive role in a changing educational world.

Although in the last two years the NEC has been prevented from organising in person events because of the pandemic, The Association has adapted to the changing situation and been successful in responding to these challenges.

The NEC and EB have developed new skills and ways of working, to support NAPCE in raising awareness about the importance of pastoral care in education.

As we can now be more optimistic about being able to organise in person events in the future the new skills and ways of working that we have developed during the pandemic will provide more options for how NAPCE engages with people who share our interest in pastoral care in the future.

The NEC continues to work closely with the EB to support their work in developing the Journal and to maintain its excellent reputation.

The Association has a positive relationship with the publishers of the journal, Taylor Francis.

They continue to be an important partner in the future development of NAPCE and by providing a regular income to provide financial stability.

The Association once again organised the ‘National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education’ and this has become an important initiative to raise awareness about NAPCE and to engage with more people who share an interest in pastoral care in education.

We are starting to see a connection between people who make nominations for the awards and then become more actively involved in NAPCE and interested in becoming members.

There were more nominations in 2021 than the previous year and they came from different regions in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

Awards were presented to the winners selected by the judging panel, in eight categories to recognise the achievements of people working in different areas of pastoral care in education.

The sponsors of the awards included, Inclusion Expert, The Thrive Approach, Taylor and Francis, Association of School and College Leaders, The Hult International School and BlueSky Education.

A presentation event took place online in September because of the pandemic restrictions.

This event was attended by over one hundred people, who joined the live link for the evening.

The areas represented in the United Kingdom included, Manchester, Nottingham, Antrim, Belfast, and attendees also came from Switzerland and Gabon.

Many of the nominees joined the link in groups from their own schools and it was brilliant to be able to recognise and value the examples of good practice in pastoral care that had taken place during the pandemic

A huge thank you Iain Johnson, Susana Cervera and Victoria Bownes, for the organisation of the Awards and the presentation event and a big thank you to the educationalist and author Daniel Sobel for being our guest speaker at the presentation .

• “Thank you NAPCE for organising a great event.”
• “So pleased to see people being valued and recognised for their contribution to pastoral care in schools.”
• “It is brilliant to hear about all this good practice and the difference it is making. Well done everyone”
• “Important for these Awards to recognise outstanding pastoral care. Well done to all the finalists.
• “Well done everyone and thanks for organising such a great event.”

The nominations for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education are now open. Please encourage colleagues and contacts to visit the NAPCE website www.napce.org.uk or follow the link to make a nomination NAPCE Awards 2022 – Entry Form (wufoo.com).

Plans for a conference had to change because of the restrictions from the pandemic for organising live events.

An online conference was organised over three days in July with the title’ Does Every Child Still Matter?

A New Approach to Education.’ There was a programme of three presentations on the first day.

• Combatting Online Sexual Harassment – Why we need RSE More Than Ever – Professor Kaitlyn Mendes, Leicester University
• Promoting Social and Emotional Well-Being. Lee Pritchard, Head of UK Development, The Thrive Approach.
• Pastoral Care post COVID – Connor Acton

On the evening of the second day there was a ‘Pastoral Question Time ‘, with an invited panel to answer questions from delegates.
Chaired by Phil Jones – Chair of NAPCE

On the panel

• Dr Noel Purdy – Deputy Editor of Pastoral Care in Education.
• Margaret Mulholland ASCL SEND and Inclusion Specialist
• Nigel Murray – Paralympic Gold Medallist.
• Mark Diacopoulos, Assistant Professor, Pittsburgh State University,
• Daniel Sobel, Author and Founder of ‘Inclusion Expert’
• Michelle de Middelaer, Educational Consultant, Learning Through Leadership

On the final day of the conference there were three more presentations.

• Building Positive Relationships for Learning – Helen Peter
• Proactive Pastoral Care – Maria O Neil, Author and Founder UK Pastoral Chat
• Engaging Learners – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

All the available tickets for links for this free event were ‘sold out,’ with over a hundred delegates attending over the three days.

The event was an important opportunity to maintain the contact with people who are interested in the work of NAPCE, and it attracted 832 visits to the event page on NAPCE’s Eventbrite site.

The Conference was attended by delegates from the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

NAPCE is planning another online conference for 2022 with the title, ‘How can effective pastoral care support learners and prepare them for their future roles in society’?

Once again, the Conference will take place over three days with presentations on day one and day three and a Pastoral Question Time on the evening of day two.

Details can be found on the NAPCE Eventbrite page at https://napce2022.eventbrite.co.uk. and tickets can be reserved at https://napce-june-conference-22.eventbrite.co.uk

Links for this conference are limited so please encourage colleagues and contacts to book tickets early to avoid being disappointed as this event in 2021 was sold out.

This is an anniversary year for the Association.

It was 40 years ago this year since the Association was first formed and its members started working on the first publication of the journal ‘Pastoral Care in Education’.

A weekend of events is planned in October to celebrate the anniversary.

These include an anniversary dinner at the lovely setting of Worcestershire Cricket Ground in Worcester with views of the Cathedral and Severn River.

There will be a reception on arrival, a three-course dinner and a bar available until 11-00pm.

We are pleased that Les Walton OBE, has agreed to be our after-dinner speaker.

He has recently published his book ‘Education the Rock and Roll years.

A Northern perspective on a lifetime of learning, teaching and leading where he shares his experiences from his career in education.

A chapter in the book is devoted to NAPCE, and he explains his involvement in creating Gateshead Pastoral Care Association in 1981 and how Michael Marland approached him, a nationally renowned headteacher, who along with other leading educationalists wanted to establish a National Association.

This became the National Association for Pastoral Care in Education in 1982.

This is going to be an important evening for everybody who has been involved in the history of NAPCE or who has an interest in pastoral care and one not to be missed.

Tickets will be available to NAPCE members at a reduced cost and tickets will be available soon.

Other activities that are planned for the anniversary year include.

• A special edition of the journal ‘Pastoral Care in Education’ with guest writers exploring the challenges facing pastoral care in education today and ideas about how pastoral care in education should develop in the next 40 years.
• A two-day conference at the Anniversary weekend at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground, in Worcester, with the title, ‘Is there a need for a new direction for pastoral care in education’? Leading educationalists and experts in research, policy making and good practice in pastoral care in education will be speaking and delegates will be offered workshops to develop their understanding of current issues.
• A live presentation event for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education as part of the anniversary weekend of events at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground in Worcester.
• A new NAPCE book about pastoral care in education published by Cambridge Scholars.

The Association continues to form partnerships with organisations with similar interest and values.

The Association was once again actively involved in the planning and delivery of the Association of School and College Leaders, (ASCL) annual conference for Pastoral Leaders in January.

Once again, this year it was an online event and NAPCE contributed with Chair Phil Jones being invited onto the panel to answer questions from delegates.

This was an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of NAPCE, with delegates in leadership roles in primary and secondary schools, attending the conference, from all around the country.

NAPCE was once again invited to contribute to the planning of Safer Internet Day and was a registered supporter of the event.

This is an annual event involving schools and organisations from across the country.

As Chair of NAPCE, Phil was invited to attend the online event in February, that was streamed live from the top of the BT tower in London.

It is good to see NAPCE taking an active role in educational events and activities and that other educational organisation are now approaching NAPCE to ask for our support and contributions to important educational events.

The NEC have continued to take positive action to enable the Association to interact more effectively with other people who share an interest in education and the contribution that pastoral care can make to the learning experience of children and young people.

The Association is pleased to continue working with Iain Johnson from Noise PR.

Iain is managing our social media and supporting the Association with its publicity and marketing.

Iain has made a huge contribution to raising awareness about the work of NAPCE and is making a real impact in helping us to achieve our aim of interacting with more people who share our interest in pastoral care.

The impact of his support can be seen in increased followers on social media and people contacting NAPCE.

Iain produces a monthly newsletter for the Association, which has seen a growing number of people requesting a copy and an increase in the number of people opening and reading the newsletter each month.

The newsletter has published a wide range of articles on pastoral care, written by guest educationalists from other educational organisations as well as contributions from members of the NEC.

The newsletter has become a valuable resource for the latest thinking and sharing of ideas about pastoral care in education and ensures that members and supporters of NAPCE are kept up to date with current information about pastoral care and news about NAPCE events and activities.

This increased interaction has seen more interest, in membership of the Association and there has been an increase in the number of members and subscribers to the journal.

This demonstrates that the work to increase awareness about the work of NAPCE is having an impact.

The Association continues to work with Taylor and Francis to develop the Association’s website.

The Association’s Twitter feed on the website provides the latest news and information and there are links to planned events and activities.

This ensures that the Association is providing its members with current news from the world of education and information to support them in their pastoral roles.

The increased contact with the Association through the website, social media and contact with NAPCE’s administration has continued this year.

NAPCE administration has seen a significant increase in contact by email and telephone which demonstrates how NAPCE has raised its profile and is seen as being important in encouraging awareness about the important contribution pastoral care can make to education.

There have been requests for advice and guidance on a wide range of pastoral issues that members of the NEC have responded to.

Contacts have been about advice on good practice in pastoral care and guidance about the roles of pastoral leaders, pastoral staff, and designated safeguarding leads.

NAPCE through its Twitter page provides support and inspiration for developing good practice in pastoral care.

One area explored on NAPCE’s Twitter page this year was The 25 Reasons Why Pastoral Care is Important in 2022’ which is an example of how NAPCE is stimulating discussion and ideas about good practice.

As the engagement with NAPCE and the interest in our activities continues to increase, the NEC has increased the capacity to provide administrative support.

Anne who looks after communications and Susana who looks after meetings and events in the NAPCE Administrative team have taken on a shared responsibility for Finance after Mel made the decision to step down from this role.

Mel had been the administrator since 2008 and served the Association with dedication and commitment over the past 13 years.

On behalf of the Association we would like to record our appreciation to her and send out very best wishes for the future.

Members of NEC this year have contributed their energy, skills, and expertise to the Association to enable it to continue to expand its activities for its members and raise its profile in the educational world despite the challenges that we have faced because of the pandemic.

The NEC welcomes suggestions about how to raise awareness of the work of NAPCE, and any suggestions about how our members can contribute to discussions about future developments in policy and practice in Pastoral Care and participate in activities to raise awareness about prominent issues in this area of education.

NAPCE is a charity and decisions are made by members who serve on committees on behalf of other members in the best interest of achieving the aims of the Association.

This ensures that the Association can demonstrate to the Charity Commission and others, good governance and ensures that as members, the people making decisions on behalf of the Association are covered by NAPCE’s insurance.

All members are contributing to Association finances, as subscriptions are managed by Taylor and Francis but the funding it generates is returned to NAPCE to support our work.

This has always been good practice that members make decisions on behalf of the membership, and this will be clarified in a proposed amendment to the constitution at the AGM.

Thank you to all members of the National Executive Committee, Editorial Board, Melissa O’Grady, NAPCE Financial Administrator, Anne Jones, Communication Administrator, Susana Cervera, Meetings and Events Administrator, Iain Johnson at Noise PR, Lyndsey Upex, at the Pastoral Care in Education Editorial Office and Abi Amey and her colleagues at Taylor and Francis, for your support, contributions, energy, and ideas this year.

Following the challenging work over the last few years, NAPCE has raised its profile in the educational world and established the foundations to enable it to make a significant contribution to encouraging positive approaches to pastoral care in the future.

We look forward to having the opportunity to meet people in person again who share our interest in the difference effective pastoral care can make in the education and lives of children and young people in this important year for the Association.

Phil Jones, Chair, NAPCE
Jill Robson, Secretary, NAPCE                                                                                              

CONFERENCE: FREE Tickets Available Now for NAPCE Online Spring Conference 2022

Online Spring Conference 2022

‘How can effective pastoral care support learners and prepare them for their future roles in society’?

FREE Online Conference over three days 

Tickets are going fast for the free online conference being organised by NAPCE in June 2022.

With a brilliant line up of expert speakers and a great Question Time panel this is the conference for everybody who is interested in pastoral care in education and the difference it can make to a young person’s learning experience and life chances.

Last year’s conference sold out a month before the event, so go to Eventbrite today to register for your tickets.

PROGRAMME
Wednesday 15 June
2-00pm Welcome to the Conference – Phil Jones, Chair of NAPCE
2-10pm Presentation 1– The School Response to Online Sexual Harassment and Abuse., Professor Kaitlyn Mendes, University of western Ontario Canada.
2-40pm Questions
2-45pm Presentation 2 – Developing Effective Supervision for Safeguarding, Carl Elder, Educational Consultant
3-15pm Questions
3-20pm Presentation 3 – The Rock and Roll Years for Education and the Lessons for Pastoral Care, LesWalton, CBE, Educationalist and Author
3-50pm Questions
3-55pm Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Thursday 16^th June

7-00pm to 8-00pm NAPCE QUESTION TIME – How can pastoral care and support in schools enable young people to achieve their full potential? 
Chaired by Phil Jones – Chair of NAPCE
Invited onto panel,
Dr Noel Purdy– Deputy Editor of Pastoral Care in Education.
Maria O’Neill – Author ‘Proactive Pastoral Care
Dr Mark Diacoupolos, Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching and Leadership, Pittsburg State University. USA
Charlie Walker, Student member of NAPCE National Executive.
Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London.
Dr Helen O’Connor, St Swithins’ School Psychologist.

Friday 17^th June 
10-00am Welcome – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE
10-10am Presentation 4 – Using data to Create a Proactive Pastoral Strategy, Luke Ramsden, Senior Deputy Head, St Benedict’s School, Ealing, London
10-40am Questions
10-45am Presentation 5 – Lessons from Pastoral Care in a Special School, Nadine Huseyin, Family Support, Pastoral and Safeguarding lead, the Grove School Tottenham
11-15am Questions
11-20am Presentation 6 – Wellbeing – Early Intervention Made Easy, Alex Kyriacou, Director, UOK Wellbeing
11-50am Questions
11-55am Close – Phil Jones Chair of NAPCE

Follow the link to book your FREE tickets https://napce-june-conference-22.eventbrite.co.uk

The links for each event in the Conference will be sent to people who have registered for tickets in June. 

INVITATION: How to Attend NAPCE’s AGM on March 26th, 2022

The 2022 AGM for the Association takes place on Saturday 26^th March and after two years when it was not possible because of pandemic restrictions this year it will be an ‘in person’, event.

The AGM will take place in Worcester against the background of the Cathedral at Worcestershire County Cricket Ground.

All members are invited to attend the AGM and are entitled to participate in discussions and to vote.

The AGM will be an opportunity to find out more about the Association’s activities in the last year and the plans for the anniversary year and in the future.

It is hoped that the venue will be able to provide an opportunity for members to join the AGM remotely online.

Please email events@napce.org.uk if you would like to attend the AGM to enable arrangements to be made for the refreshments.

If you would be interested in joining the event online, please email events@napce.org.uk and ask for the link details to be sent to you.

Although you will only be able to participate in the AGM and vote if you are a current member of NAPCE, you are welcome to attend as an observer by emailing events@napce.org.uk

The agenda and other arrangements are below.

Annual General Meeting 2021
Saturday 26^th March 2021
12.30-13.30 hours
In Room View 3
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
County Ground, New Road, Worcester. WR2 4QQ

AGENDA

1. Welcome to members
2. Apologies for absence
3. Minutes of 2021 AGM
4. Matters arising
5. Resolutions from the 2021 AGM
6. Reports – Chair/Secretary/Treasurer/Journal Editor
7. Report on NEC elections
8. New resolutions from the 2022 AGM
9. Amendments to the constitution
10. Any Other Business

CELEBRATION DINNER: Join us to Celebrate NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary

You are invited to the Anniversary dinner to celebrate the 40 years since NAPCE was formed.

It will be an opportunity to meet with other people who have contributed to the history of NAPCE and to celebrate the difference it has made for raising awareness about pastoral care in education and the difference it makes to the learning experience for children and young people and supports their personal development to prepare them for their future lives in society.

This event will take place at the Worcestershire Cricket Ground, overlooking the Severn River and cathedral in Worcester.

It takes place on Saturday 8^th October as part of a weekend of events to celebrate the anniversary which include a two-day conference and the presentation for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022.

The event is open to members and non-members.

Availability is limited and you are advised to reserve your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be reserved by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/napce-40th-anniversary-dinner-tickets-299335118397

Tickets will be available on Eventbrite from Monday 28^th March, 2022.

The programme for the evening is,

7-00pm Guests Arrive – Prosecco Welcome Reception.
7-30pm Three Course Anniversary Dinner.

Dinner menu

5. Starter                       
5. Cream of Leek, Potato and Watercress Soup, Croutons (V) (GF)
5. Main course             
5. Roasted Chicken Supreme, Gratin Potato, and Red Wine Gravy (GF
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Vegetarian/Vegan Gluten Free option 

5. Starter
5. Leek, Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup (GF)
5. Main course
5. Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Peppers, Parsley and Dill Sauce with Tender Stem Broccoli (GF)
5. Dessert
5. White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (V)

Please advise in advance of the evening if you would prefer the vegetarian option or if you have any additional dietary requirements.

8-30pm After Dinner Speaker – Les Walton CBE

Les as he explains in his recently published book ’Education the Rock and Roll Years. A Northern Perspective on A lifetime of learning Teaching and Leading’, was one of the leading educationalists involved in the forming of NAPCE in 1982.

As the title of the book suggests, Les has a wide experience of education in recent history that he will share with guests at the dinner.

9-30 pm Pay bar available until 11-00 pm to meet old friends and make new friends. Please note this is a cashless venue.

The cost of the Anniversary Dinner is £35.00 for full members of NAPCE, £40.00 for Associate members and £45.00 for non- members.

Please dress to impress.

Please note that tickets will not be refunded unless the event is cancelled by the Association for reasons beyond its control when a full refund will be made.

There are direct train services from London to Worcester Foregate Station which is a ten-minute walk or short taxi ride from the venue.

Cross country trains call at the new Worcestershire Parkway, which has connections to Foregate Street. There is parking available at the venue and at public car parks nearby.

The venue has a Premier Inn Hotel on the site and there is a good choice of other options for accommodation in the city of Worcester.

Please book your tickets early to ensure that you do not miss this important event in NAPCE’s history to celebrate the contribution it has made to education in the last 40 years.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact NAPCE administration at admin@napce.co.uk

40th ANNIVERSARY: Weekend Conference Details Released to Mark Four Decades of NAPCE

We are very proud to reveal details of the weekend conference to mark NAPCE’s 40th Anniversary in October.

Further details are being added in the coming weeks.

Dates for the Diary

The 40^th Anniversary Conference and Events Weekend – October 2022

Venue
Worcestershire County Cricket Club
County Ground
New Road
Worcester
WR2 4QQ

Friday 7^th October

Conference Day One

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Research and Policy making.

Confirmed Speakers

Dr Noel Purdy – Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Deputy Editor of ‘Pastoral Care in Education’
Maria O Neil – Educationalist and author of ‘Proactive Pastoral Care’
Professor Helen Cowie – University of Surrey

Invited and waiting for confirmation 

The Rt Hon Nadim Zahawi, Secretary of State for Education
Ofsted
Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Saturday 8^th October 

Conference Day Two

‘Is There a Need for a New Direction for Pastoral Care in Education’? –  Good Practice.
Daniel Sobel – Educationalist, author and founder and CEO of Inclusion Expert
Ron Skelton – Headteacher and CEO of Broadway School, Perry Barr, Birmingham
Dr Helen O Connor – Psychologist at St Swithun’s School in Winchester
Invited and to be confirmed
Mrs Heather Hansbury, President, Girls School Association

Workshops include:

Jill Robson – NAPCE National Secretary – Effective PSHE

Full programme and other speakers to be confirmed

Tickets: https://napce2022.eventbrite.co.uk/

Reduced price tickets will be available for NAPCE members, and a reduced-price ticket will be available for both days of the conference.

Other Events planned for the Anniversary weekend in Worcester include 

Friday 7^th October 7-00pm
Presentation Event for the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 

AWARDS: Entry for the NAPCE Awards 2022 is Now Open

We are delighted to launch the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education 2022 organised by NAPCE.

The third annual NAPCE awards takes place in our 40^th anniversary year for the Association and we are inviting everybody with a pastoral role or an interest in how pastoral care in education can support children and young people to achieve their full potential.

We are looking for the people, teams and organisations that make a real difference in the learning experience of children and young people and want to recognise their achievements and celebrate their good practice.

The categories for the awards this year are:-

Pastoral School of the Year
A school that can demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and support for learners that makes a real difference in the progress and personal development of young people in the school.

Pastoral Team of the Year
A team that works in pastoral care and can demonstrate a determination to support young people to achieve their full potential and a positive impact on the young people they work with.

Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year
A member of staff who works in pastoral care and who always makes the extra effort to support young people to enable them to become effective learners and achieve success.

Pastoral Leader of the Year
Has a passion for pastoral care that is shared with colleagues to inspire and motivate them to make a real difference in the lives of the young people they work with.

Pastoral Development of the Year
A pastoral initiative or idea that has achieved positive outcomes and has improved the learning experience and future life chances, for young people.

Outstanding Contribution to Pastoral Care
A person, group or organisation that has made a real difference in pastoral care, for the benefit of young people.

International Contribution to Pastoral Care
An international school, organisation outside of the UK or an individual working in research or in an international school outside of the UK, that has promoted or delivered high quality pastoral care.
 
Raising Awareness about Pastoral Care
An individual, group or organisation who through their actions have raised awareness about pastoral care or pastoral issues and encouraged positive improvements for the benefit of young people.

The maximum number of words to support a nomination is being increased from 100 words to 300 words this year so there will be every opportunity to describe the good practice and the impact it is making.

Nominations can be made for excellent contributions to research, for raising awareness and for good practice in pastoral care in education from the 2021 -2022 academic year. The sponsors and panel of judges will be announced shortly.

The closing date for nominations is 30^th May 2022 and the judges will then have the difficult task of deciding who the finalists and winners will be in each category.

A grand live presentation event is planned for the anniversary year in the autumn to announce the winners.

All finalists will receive a certificate form NAPCE to recognise their achievements and winners will receive a plaque and a £100.00 cash prize.

Make sure your good practice is recognised by making a nomination today.
 
To make a nomination for the 2022 National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education organised by NAPCE go to https://napceawards.wufoo.com/forms/napce-awards-2022-entry-form/