Pastoral Support Plan (PSP)

WHAT IS A PASTORAL SUPPORT PLAN (PSP)?

A Pastoral Support Plan (PSP) is a school based programme which is meant to help a child to improve their social, emotional and behavioural skills. The PSP will identify precise and specific targets for the child to work towards and should include the child and parents in the drafting process.

When a PSP is thought to be required a PSP meeting should be held during the normal school day. The teachers and the child's parents will consider whether the child should be present for the whole meeting or only part of it. At the end of the meeting everyone should be clear about what needs to be done, by whom and by when.

PSPs are usually reviewed every 2-4 weeks and usually run for about 16 weeks. If the child has other existing plans (such as an IEP) then the PSP should be integrated with the existing plans and not seen in isolation.

WHO NEEDS A PASTORAL SUPPORT PLAN (PSP)?

A PSP may be necessary if a child’s behaviour at school means that they have been permanently excluded or are “at risk” of permanent exclusion. “At risk” means that the child is not responding to the school’s normal range of strategies and support and several short term exclusions may be indicative of this. A PSP will be needed in particular for those children whose behaviour is deteriorating rapidly.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A PASTORAL SUPPORT PLAN (PSP)?

The aim of a PSP is to promote the child's social inclusion and help reduce the possibility of the child's permanent exclusion. The PSP aims to involve the child in the challenge of improving their behaviour and social skills. As a result of a PSP, a child should be able to better manage their behaviour and/or improve their attendance at school.

WHAT IS IN A PASTORAL SUPPORT PLAN (PSP)?

A PSP will set out specific and realistic targets and how they will be measured. The targets should be broken down into smaller parts so that it is more manageable for the child. The PSP will need to identify the input and support from the school and parents that the child will need to help them reach their targets.

The PSP will also detail both the recognition and rewards that the child will receive if they demonstrate efforts to meet the targets as well as the consequences that will result if the child does not demonstrate sufficient efforts to meet the targets. Finally, the PSP should detail the time limit for the duration of the PSP including dates when the PSP will be reviewed.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.