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Children and young people in care rarely match the academic achievements of their peers and policy and procedures to address this inequality have not yet remedied the problem. Drawing on ideas from social pedagogy, the authors present a new approach - learning placements and caring schools. They show that education and care must be considered integral to both out of home placements and schools. Packed with practice examples, it includes chapters on early childhood education and care, as well as alternatives to school and higher education, covering everything from birth up to the age of 25. It highlights the potential benefits of a range of learning opportunities, from drama and outdoor activities, to bedtime stories and mentoring as well as providing support for teachers in their role as carer. Chapters include key points, case studies, practice points and useful resources. This is a unique evidence-informed practical guide for students and professionals in the fields of social work, social care, psychology and education.
List of contents
Acknowledgements. 1. Bringing education into care placements and bringing care into schools. 2. Legislation supporting the education of children in care in the UK-principle and provisions. 3. An educational journey-children in care in context. 4. Creating and sustaining a learning placement. 5. Informal Education. 6. Supporting education in the care environment. 7. Early Years Education in Foster Care. 8. Caring Schools. 9. What happens when mainstream isn't right. 9. Staying in education: 16-19-the muddle and the prospects. 11. Supporting recent migrants. 12. Going to university from care. 13. Putting it all together: taking a Strategic Approach. References.
About the author
Sonia Jackson OBE is Emeritus Professor at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University College London. She has previously worked as a clinical psychologist, teacher and social worker and undertook the first research which revealed the neglect of education for children in care. Since then she has led major research studies and published many books and articles on improving their educational opportunities. She is a Patron of the Who Cares? Trust and the Letterbox Club.
