Case studies/best practice
Time to strengthen the home–school relationship
0Since the pandemic there’s been a fresh appreciation of the value of strong parental links. Now let’s make those relationships stronger, says Simon Hay. Summary School leaders and teachers have always known that strong, two-way communication between home and school is important because it results in high levels of parent engagement, which have a positive impact on student outcomes.The chief benefit of the pandemic lockdowns has probably been a heightened appreciation of the value of strong home–school relationships.The more parents understand about their child’s learning experience, the more engaged they will be and the better they are able to support…
How has the pandemic increased safeguarding and welfare risks?
0The current exceptional circumstances and changes to school provision over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought various safeguarding issues to the fore. In this article, Steve Burnage considers the various elements that need to be considered as schools move forward after lockdown. Summary School closures have had a dramatic impact on child protection referrals.Evidence suggests a rise in undetected abuse.Schools should be clear on how to identify newly vulnerable learners.Schools should evidence that emotional health and wellbeing are at the heart of their school.Positives that have come out of the pandemic should be remembered.Planning for recovery should be…
Child employment and performances: Safeguarding your students
0The laws surrounding performance and employment are there to protect children and young people. How much do you know about what’s required and how to ‘get the balance right’? Ed Magee, the Chair of the National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) provides his advice. Summary There are two sets of legislation in relation to performances and employment.One of the biggest issues surrounding performances can be taking time off for auditions.Where working students are in possession of a permit, this helps ensure that a risk assessment has been carried out. Every day, child employment officers across the UK tread…