Pupil outcomes and achievements are one of the most important factors Ofsted look at when grading a school. While there has been a small increase in most outcome measures within the last academic year, the results are still lower when comparing to pre-pandemic figures. What is the cause of these lower outcomes and how can schools work to support their pupils and improve outcomes? This article will cover how early intervention and pastoral support could be the answer.
What causes lower pupil outcomes?
Pupil outcomes can be impacted by a range of complex interconnected issues. From socioeconomic status to Special Educational Needs (SEN), mental health or issues at home, lower pupil outcomes is a matter that requires regular attention and investigating.
The rise in exclusions
Oe the last few years pupil behaviour has been described as “worse than ever” with 1 in 5 teachers saying they were hit or kicked by a pupil. These frequent violent incidents lead to a disruption in learning and have resulted in an increase in suspensions and permanent exclusions across schools in England.
Pupils who have been suspended or permanently excluded are more likely to have poor educational outcomes and are at more risk of becoming NEETs. In addition, the frequent disruption to learning caused by behavioural incidents can impact the learning other pupils, causing a domino effect that influences the outcomes of the whole class.
The value of early intervention
Early intervention helps to identify pupils who are struggling before issues escalate. By identifying the pupils who require support, the school can help them through their challenges in a timely manner and place them on the right track for improving their outcomes. Whether it be identifying safeguarding concerns or helping an individual get an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that will set a specific path or their learning, finding the root cause of poor outcomes will help to solve them more effectively in the best way for the pupil.
Early intervention training
Early intervention involves working with a range of networks including the pupil, their family, the school, local authority, therapeutic services and more. Due to the complex nature of early intervention support, providing your staff with the right skills and tools to be able to better support pupils.
LMP Education’s Level 4 Pastoral Support Practitioner
The Pastoral Support Practitioner apprenticeship, also known as Early Intervention Practitioner, is a funded training programme aimed at helping schools develop their internal early intervention provision. This level 4 apprenticeship is designed for school staff who currently work with pupils and families to address barriers to learning attendance and wellbeing.
A Pastoral Support Practitioner in a school setting identifies and supports children of all ages with developmental delays, disabilities, or behavioural challenges. They implement tailored strategies, such as Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) or small-group interventions, to improve learning outcomes, boost social-emotional skills, and prevent long-term difficulties.
Learn more about the Level 4 Pastoral Support Practitioner programme.
About LMP Education
LMP Education is an award-winning apprenticeship training provider that offers a range of funded training solutions for schools. We support organisations in upskilling their staff through apprenticeship training programmes.
If you are interested in learning more about how LMP Education can support your school through funded training for staff, book a discovery call with a member of the team today!
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