On the Fringes: Preventing Exclusion in Schools Through Inclusive, Child-centred, Needs-based Practice - Softcover

Jackie Ward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1785833510 ISBN 13: 9781785833519

Publisher: Crown House Pub Ltd, 2019

Synopsis

In 'On the Fringes: Preventing exclusion in schools through inclusive, child-centred, needs-based practice', Jackie Ward opens up the debate surrounding school exclusion and its link to special educational needs (SEN), and shares action-oriented strategies designed to bring about a more inclusive approach.

Too many of our vulnerable young people are being excluded even those with SEN and the very young who are only just on the cusp of school life. And having seen first-hand the impact that exclusion has on children with often unmet medical needs such as autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Jackie explores in this book the realities of what exclusion means to each of us and its impact on wider society.

Jackie examines this critical issue through the lens of her experiences in both mainstream and specialist settings and presents practical, solution-focused guidance to help schools deliver the inclusive education that every child deserves. Drawing upon a range of sources, Jackie's wide-reaching analysis is backed up with case studies, up-to-date research and anecdotal reports setting out a balanced view focusing on the stated and underlying needs of schools, staff, parents, children and other agencies.

'On the Fringes' scrutinises exclusion procedures and reviews the SEND Code of Practice in depth, particularly highlighting the role of early interventions in detecting underlying SEN and medical needs. Jackie also explores a range of pre-emptive and alternative approaches that can be employed as part of a whole-school approach to pastoral care and behaviour management that develops pupils self-awareness and self-regulation.

In doing so she offers informed inspiration to teachers and SEN practitioners working with some of our most vulnerable children who, without our care, compassion and tailored provision, are too often destined for lives on the fringes of society.

Suitable for teachers, school leaders, SEN professionals, policy-makers and parents.

About this title

About the Author:

Jackie Ward was a primary school teacher for over 25 years and a deputy head and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) at a primary pupil referral unit (PRU) for eight years prior to taking early retirement and setting up her own business in 2016. She is now an independent behaviour and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultant working in mainstream primary and secondary schools.

Review:

I could provide so many stories to support this very important book. Jackie Ward rightly reminds us that the children who need love the most will ask for it in the most unusual ways. As a consequence, schools need to seek unusual ways to teach such young people. I use those words deliberately: schools and teachers are paid to teach children, not to stand them in corridors, sit them in isolation booths or send them out on the streets. However, high-stakes testing coupled with high-stakes accountability has led to some schools using hostile, reactive strategies with those children who often have quite specific social and emotional needs. 'On the Fringes' rightly suggests that there is another way based around more creative and proactive child-friendly strategies that allow every child to feel that they can succeed. --Will Ryan, education consultant and former assistant head of school effectiveness and Excellence in Cities coordinator, Rotherham Borough Council

This beautifully crafted book has a heart. A heart which is driven by the need to get the best available support and help for the most important people in our schools: the children and young people we teach.

In 'On the Fringes', Jackie Ward creates an immersive environment for us to understand the common challenges and frustrations met by pupils, parents and teachers in the complex world of special educational needs (SEN). The thorough research which Jackie shares in the book helps illustrate the many underlying issues within our education system and culture, and this is to be highly commended.

'On the Fringes' is for any teacher, parent or educationalist alike you will not be able to put it down. It's a personal perspective as well as a professional reflection on what we need to do in order to ensure that every child in every school has their individual needs met to the best of our ability.

Thank you, Jackie, for a thoroughly enjoyable learning journey.

--Nina Jackson, author, award-winning speaker, mental health ambassador and education consultant, Teach Learn Create Ltd

'On the Fringes' is a book into which you are drawn right from the outset, as it begins with a real-life, personal account of what inspired the author to write it.

Packed with useful tips and advice, this solution-focused resource delves into why some groups are more vulnerable to exclusion than others, with a specific focus on those children and young people who have significant undiagnosed needs and complex mental health difficulties.

Jackie paints a detailed picture of the alternative education provision offered in a PRU setting and describes the components of a caring, nurturing approach designed to develop pupils self-esteem and self-confidence. She also emphasises the paramount importance of early intervention and its value in curtailing the progress of challenging behaviours, and discusses the need for staff to develop empathy and emotional resilience in order to best help vulnerable children and young people.

To close the book, Jackie provides a ten-point manifesto on how the exclusion of children and young people can be prevented so that a better future is made possible for those who would otherwise be left on the fringes.

--Cherryl Drabble, author and Assistant Head Teacher, Highfurlong School

About this edition

• Publisher: Crown House Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1785833510
• ISBN 13: 9781785833519
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176