Vulnerable pupils
Knife crime: The critical role of schools
0Knife crime is on the increase and schools can feel helpless when it comes to dealing with the problem. Just how much can a school be expected to do? John Viner argues that the role of the educator is still one of the most important. Summary Exclusion may not be the answer to reducing instances of knife crime.Attendance officers may be the first to notice potential identifiers of gang membership.New and improved curriculum materials on knife crime are now available. The figures reported by Panorama are staggering: 17,000 10-15 year olds carrying knives; there were 47,000 juvenile knife offences in…
Safeguarding: Still a priority
0The framework may have changed but one thing remains consistently important. Safeguarding is one aspect of school life that it is vital for school leaders to keep on top of. In this article, Suzanne O’Connell outlines what has been emphasised in the latest Ofsted inspectors’ guidance. Summary In line with the new Ofsted framework, the safeguarding guidance for inspectors has been updated.Although much of the guidance is the same, there are some changes that should be taken into consideration.Peer-on-peer abuse has a high profile in this new guidance. The latest inspection safeguarding guidance was published in May 2019, ready for…
Making a difference to the hard-to-reach
0Some changes to attendance can be made with relative ease. Others require a much more concerted effort. In this article, Nicola Finch-Turner explains what Michael Drayton Junior School has done to improve attendance, beyond those who are easily reached. Summary It is important that children want to come to school.Attendance rewards work well with some children, but do not work for everyone.For some children, the issues behind poor attendance are complex and need unpicking. Attendance in schools often feels like a constant battle. You can send letters and offer incentives but still there seems to be a group whose attendance…