National Adoption Week is generally thought of as a time to share glossy pictures of happy smiling children in an attempt to encourage more people to come forward as adopters. This is certainly needed as there are many children waiting for a secure loving family to call their own.
However what also needs to be stressed, and seems to be constantly overlooked is a greater need for support post adoption and not just for the first 3 years. In addition what is also needed is greater understanding amongst professionals and regular updated training. It is a myth that once children are adopted all their problems disappear. It is often the case that when a child feels secure they are able to show their true feelings and it is at this point that support is needed by the family and children. A first point for gaining that support can often be an understanding school. This website and award was set up to celebrate schools that do their best and go the extra mile to support the child and family without judging, and too aid this the website aims to be a source of support for both schools and parents.
It has been nearly 2 months since the award opened and in that time the website has welcomed just over 1500 unique visitors and celebrated three schools who have shown they go the extra mile.
It has been nearly 2 months since the award opened and in that time the website has welcomed just over 1500 unique visitors and celebrated three schools who have shown they go the extra mile.
Carr Junior school (Ascomb) was the first to receive the award followed quickly by Knayton Church of England Primary school (Thirsk) and Paisley Primary School (Hull). These schools haven't claimed to always get it right, but have received attachment training and have done their best to embed their learning and understanding in the school ethos. They have shown that they care and are willing to listen and learn. The head teacher of Knayton C of E has even offered to support other schools in working and understanding children who have attachment issues, a link to her school can be found on the resources page of the website. In addition to the schools we have received notes of support from many individuals and agencies and notably two LAs. From messages that we have received it has also been made clear that there is a great misunderstanding in to attachment, with the belief that it is only children who are adopted that can have this difficulty. Yes it will probably be more prevalent in looked after children and adopted children, but from my experience many children can have attachment difficulties, or traits. I would like to see all schools receive Attachment Awareness training, maybe in the same way they receive regular safeguarding training, and for it to be given greater importance in teaching alliances and universities.
Finally, all we ask is for you - schools and professionals - to seek training to fully understand the issues and embed this in your practice. This national adoption week and beyond - be a voice of support for adopted children and children with attachment difficulties.
Finally, all we ask is for you - schools and professionals - to seek training to fully understand the issues and embed this in your practice. This national adoption week and beyond - be a voice of support for adopted children and children with attachment difficulties.
We are not trainers. If you would like to source training for your school or organization the links on the resources section of the website may help find the right one for you. If you are a school your local Virtual Head may be able to help you find the right training for your setting.
We look forward to hearing about your journey.
We look forward to hearing about your journey.