On the Fringes

Preventing exclusion in schools through inclusive, child-centred, needs-based practice

By: Jackie Ward


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Products specifications
Attribute name Attribute value
Size: 216 x 140mm
Pages : 176
ISBN : 9781785833519
Format: Paperback
Published: March 2019

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.


Picture for author Jackie Ward

Jackie Ward

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.


Reviews

  1. Jackie Ward's On the Fringes: Preventing Exclusion in schools through inclusive, child-centred, needs-based practice addresses the problem that too many vulnerable young people are being excluded, including those with special educational needs and much younger students.

    She writes about this using her own experiences of working in both mainstream and specialist schools, and gives practical advice and guidance to help deliver inclusive education to every child.

    She suggests there are other options based upon creative, thoughtful strategies which allow every child to feel they can succeed. Full of useful tips and advice, this is a valuable resource for any parent or educator.

  2. There is currently increasing concern at the rise in pupil exclusions, both short-term and permanent, from schools at all levels - especially with regard to the exclusion of those children who are challenging in terms of their attitude, behaviour, additional learning and curriculum needs, and their impact upon the learning of others.

    In On the Fringes, Jackie Ward explores a range of situations to raise understanding of the various issues around exclusion and considers potential solutions geared to help prevent them. As the author notes, this book is both a personal account and a solution-focused resource which addresses the key factors surrounding why so many schools run with the -˜give up' strategy of exclusion when they fail to address the real needs of the children in their care.

    Readers will find the structure of the book very useful. Personally, I found the list of acronyms, the updated information provided on the legalities of exclusion, and the discussion of the role of CAMHS, of the impact of exclusion upon parents/carers, of addressing behaviour as an underlying need and of a range of alternative approaches - including PRUs, restorative justice and the Solihull approach - extremely beneficial.

    Overall, this book offers a well-written and solution-focused insight into the murky waters of exclusion and its impact on individuals and families. The author discusses many inspirational ideas to enable more vulnerable children and young people with challenging behaviours to engage more positively with learning to improve their access and inclusion within mainstream schools and society.
  3. 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 behavior and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) consultant working in mainstream primary and secondary schools. In “On the Fringes: Preventing Exclusion in Schools Through Inclusive, Child-centered, Needs-based Practice” she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to scrutinize school exclusion procedures, and also reviews the SEND Code of Practice in depth, particularly highlighting the role of early interventions in detecting underlying SEN and medical needs. “On the Fringes” 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 behavior management that develops pupils self-awareness and self-regulation. “On the Fringes” is unreservedly recommended to the attention of classroom teachers, building principles, school superintendents, as well as school district and academic library Educational Administration collections and supplemental studies lists.

    Click here to read the review in the digital edition of the Midwest Book Review.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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