Pastoral support plans: guidance, templates and examples

Find out how to develop a pastoral support plan (PSP) to give a pupil the additional support they need, and get templates and examples to help you write your own.

Last reviewed on 12 May 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 2321
Contents
  1. PSPs help you provide additional support to individual pupils
  2. Start by arranging a meeting
  3. The SENCO and co-ordinator should then write the PSP
  4. Provide support to the pupil and review the PSP at different intervals
  5. Download templates and guidance from local authorities
  6. Take a look at some completed examples

PSPs help you provide additional support to individual pupils

Pastoral support plans (PSPs):

  • Are structured and coordinated programmes of support
  • Sit outside of your school's behaviour policy

You would put one in place:

  • For any pupils where you believe usual pastoral support strategies wouldn't be enough (e.g. in addition to existing support like school-based strategies or an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • Usually for a fixed period of time (normally 8 to 16 weeks)

They're often used to support pupils at risk of permanent exclusion, though it's important to know that they're not used as a route to exclusion.

A PSP should never be a first response to any concerns you might have about individual pupils.

Consider a PSP for pupils who need extra support

Usual behaviour management strategies and standard school policies don't work for Are disaffected Have responsibilities, lifestyle or home circumstances or demands that add challenges and