coaching: designing and implementing small group pastoral structures

Small group pastoral structures can transform the way schools build relationships, develop belonging and support every child through a trusted adult advocate.

At Carr Manor Community School, we refer to this approach as Coaching: a structured, relationship-driven model that reduces the school to its smallest possible unit and creates meaningful connections between pupils, families and staff.

This one-day workshop is designed for senior and pastoral leaders responsible for implementing, leading or refining coaching within their own setting.

Whether you are exploring coaching for the first time or are already part way through implementation, the workshop will provide the practical tools, implementation frameworks and professional learning needed to move from aspiration to action.

This workshop is suitable for leaders from primary, secondary, special and alternative provision settings.

• Headteachers
• Deputy Headteachers
• Assistant Headteachers
• Pastoral Leaders
• Directors of Personal Development
• Senior leaders responsible for culture, behaviour or pastoral systems

Throughout the day participants will experience the model for themselves before exploring the principles and implementation decisions that underpin it.

The workshop includes:

• Experiencing coaching through circles, check-ins and community builders.
• Exploring an outcomes-led approach using a coaching Theory of Change.
• Analysing the key barriers and enablers associated with implementation.
• Developing an implementation plan aligned to staged implementation principles.
• Exploring examples of coach notes, coaching skills rubrics, quality assurance processes, approaches to pupil progress and assessment
• Observing coaching practice and engaging with pupils about their experience of coaching
• Understanding the practical implications of core design decisions, including: circle pedagogy, vertical coaching groups, coaching frequency and the role of the coach as advocate

Participants will leave with starting points for an implementation plan in their setting:

• An implementation diagnostic and readiness review.
• An outcomes-based Theory of Change template.
• Example coach notes.
• Coaching skills rubrics.
• Quality assurance frameworks and observation tools.
• Community builder resources.
• Practical guidance on staging and sustaining implementation.

The workshop draws upon an implementation model developed through more than twenty years of practice and refinement at Carr Manor Community School. Participants will explore how to move through the stages of:

Prepare → Establish → Embed → Extend

while maintaining fidelity to the elements that underpin successful coaching:

• Circle-based practice
• Strong relationships
• Consistent routines
• Staff development
• Family engagement
• Continuous improvement.

For further information, please contact [email protected]