How to set up effective professional supervision for boarding and pastoral staff
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Course outline:
This session explores the role of professional supervision in promoting reflective practice, emotional resilience, and effective pastoral care within boarding schools. Delivered as a conversation between Penny Sturt, Lead Associate at Talking Heads Supervision, and David Walker (BSA), this session will unpack what professional supervision is, why it matters in the boarding context, and how schools can develop a culture that supports staff wellbeing and accountability.
Through real-life examples and reflective dialogue, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how professional supervision can enhance both staff development and safeguarding outcomes in boarding settings.Â
- Understanding Professional Supervision
- What professional supervision is (and isn’t)
- Its origins and evidence base in education, social care, and pastoral work
- Models and frameworks relevant to boarding schools
- Supervision in the Boarding Context
- How supervision supports safeguarding, staff wellbeing, and reflective practice
- Practical considerations for implementing supervision within a school
- Creating psychologically safe spaces for professional reflection
- The Role of the Supervisor and Supervisee
- Responsibilities, boundaries, and confidentiality
- Qualities of an effective supervisor
- How to prepare for and engage in supervision
- Developing a Supervision Culture
- Embedding supervision into staff development and pastoral care structures
- Overcoming common challenges and misconceptions
- Examples of best practice from schools already using supervision models
- Interactive Discussion and Q&A
- Live conversation between Penny and David
- Questions from participants and reflections on their own contexts
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define professional supervision and distinguish it from line management or mentoring.
- Explain the benefits of supervision for staff wellbeing, professional development, and safeguarding.
- Identify practical steps for introducing or strengthening supervision structures in their own schools.
- Recognise the roles, skills, and responsibilities of both supervisors and supervisees.
- Reflect on how supervision can contribute to a supportive, reflective, and accountable boarding culture.
Speakers:
