Pastoral care for the 16+ student—a survey

Abstract

A survey was undertaken on the provision of pastoral care in educational institutions catering for the post 16 age group. Information was obtained on a variety of aspects of pastoral care work (including the selection, training and functions of tutors) and of the pastoral curriculum (its objectives and material resources). There was found to be some diversity of opinion on the level of responsibility a tutor should be given, on whether tutors should be teachers of their tutees and on what basis tutor groups should be composed. However, there was a significant amount of agreement on the topics which should be included in a pastoral curriculum and most of the respondents showed a considerable interest in pastoral care and an awareness of its importance. The survey findings point to a need for greater in-service training, an improved provision for P/T students and more effective marketing.