'The Role of Schools in Supporting Vulnerable Children and Families' briefing

Date: 4th February 2014
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities
Author: WithScotland

This new briefing was produced by WithScotland in response to over 300 practitioners who, when surveyed, said they required more information and research on the topic of the role of schools in supporting vulnerable children and families.

The briefing draws on research studies to increase awareness of knowledge and information that can help strengthen the responsiveness of practice, particularly within the schools system.

Providing the best educational opportunities to children from vulnerable families is seen as a key way to disrupt the cycle of poverty. The 'Putting the Baby IN the Bath Water' coalition in Scotland has highlighted that primary and early intervention are essential to give children the best start in life and tackle the underlying causes of health inequalities and poor wellbeing.

This coalition, coordinated by WAVE Trust, has worked hard to encourage the Scottish Parliament to recognise the importance of preventative spending and pragmatic, positive action during the first 1,001 days of life in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. As a result, Part 9 of the Bill now requires that 'relevant services' (now broadly defined through a successful amendment from Colin Beattie SNP MSP) be provided to pregnant women and fathers/partners whose babies may be at risk of becoming looked after in the future.