Vulnerable pupils

Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a little-known form of child abuse. However, one of its strongest indicators is that of frequent and unexplained absences. In this article, Suzanne O’Connell explains what it is and how it might be recognised. Summary FII is a type of child abuse that school staff should be aware of.In cases of FII, there may be frequent absences and medical appointments with explanations that seem implausible. Suspected cases of FII should be referred to social care and a multi-agency response is needed. Fabricated or induced illness (FII), previously often referred to as ‘Munchausen’s syndrome by…

There has been a rise in mental health issues in staff and students in schools and, although there are many interventions available, it can be difficult to see the woods for the trees. Sam Garner provides starting points for schools that are looking to expand their mental health interventions for students and staff, in order to help schools evaluate their effectiveness and fit. Summary Prevention and mental health promotion programmes and activities can be implemented effectively by teachers and can have a significant impact on psychosocial and academic performance.School-based interventions are most effective if they are completely and accurately implemented.As…

Knife 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…