Ellie Costello’s Post

Please take a read of Karen's post 👇 I'd love to know your thoughts and experiences, particularly if you have children of school age currently. Wow, this encapsulates our experiences and expresses it so beautifully - thank you Karen Young and thanks for sharing Julie Cresswell and bringing to my attention. I think the problem is it's often presented as child or family Vs school - one is to blame or the other. It's far more complex than that in reality the following are involved. Outside of child/family control/influence: ⭐ Education Department policy ⭐ Local Authority policy ⭐ Multi Academy Trust policy (if appl) ⭐ School ethos & approach ⭐ School physical building/environment ⭐ School rules ⭐ School staff - teachers, TAs, office staff, senior leaders, attendance people, inclusion people, learning mentors, SENCOs, lunchtime staff ⭐ Other children Within family influence: ⭐ Child ⭐ Child's immediate family ⭐ Child's extended family As you can see from the length of the lists, there is far more out of an individual child/family's influence and control than within it - this can present a huge problem, particularly for PDAers who have an innate need to control in order to manage our high levels of anxiety. To a large extent, other than better training, awareness and understanding for all the people involved it's really hard to influence other people on an individual/local level basis - especially other children, because they are emotionally immature themselves and have their own unique needs. What can be controlled and should be able to be to be changed more easily (but often isn't) is the school ethos and approach, the physical school environment and the school rules - for me these have presented some of the biggest barriers to my children attending school. 🔴 Classrooms too big, too noisy (no soft furnishings often), too busy with different displays and bright colours - sensory overload! 🔴 School rules - too demanding, no room for mistakes, focus on punishment as a means of instilling learning (mostly kicks in at secondary level, although demands caused by national testing has increasingly impacted at primary level) 🔴 School ethos and approach - can be very positive and alleviate some of the other issues. However, especially at secondary level can be dictatorial (armed forces environment springs to mind!) demanding compliance above all else, unbending even in the face of a child's distress.

The post below argues against the term "School Can't" and explains why "school refusal" more accurately describes the experiences of children and young people with attendance difficulties. It's important to note that many children, young people, and their families reject the term "school refusal" as it fails to capture the complexities of their experiences. We should avoid using labels like "school refusal," "school phobia," and "EBSA" to describe the experiences of children, young people, and their families who face difficulties with school attendance. These terms oversimplify the issue and contribute to pathologizing their unique situations. The term "School Can't" reduces stigma, recognizes complexity, encourages empathy, facilitates support, and promotes positive dialogue. The term emphasizes that children and young people's experiences of attendance difficulties are not a matter of choice but are due to factors beyond their control. Children and young people's experiences of school attendance difficulties could be due to "anxiety-driven school avoidance" (internal causes), school-driven anxiety avoidance (external causes), or possibly a combination of both. –Irene School Can't Australia

I will take responsibility by telling that there are two sides to every story. Disheartening, that young people had to reach this stage of school refusal for someone to do something to help. And, more importantly we are left as usual, only seeing half the picture. It's the half where sympathy would be easily and readily available. But what we actually need could be something entirely different, one thing we need is understanding that all young people react differently to unwelcoming and hostile environments. If young people refuse to go to school and are allowed to do so, then maybe the are in a privileged position that many are not. Many are not given that get out card by their parents. Being bullied in school? How many young people are affected by this issue? Them all, I'd say, every last one of them. 🌂 An extract from my own thoughts... 'But not one day did he refuse to go to school, they're extraordinary young people and as their mother, I will say this with my hand on my heart' But it was I, the parent who was missing the knowledge to remove my child to safety... I trusted and I believed in the system. 🌂 Safety? What is safety in schools. I believe safety is 100% acceptance that every child has a right to a full, proper and meaningful education, that every child is 100% seen & heard & every child are given 100% freedom. Freedom to move about schools without bullying and freedom to go to classes and to learn in peace. It's simply kind adults doing a good job, and if we need to force grownups to be kind, then maybe there are a whole load of questions that needs to be asked that hasn't been asked. ?

You are a school counserlor right?, so What is your job? What is your role in the school? Are you like the teachers? With all of these confusions; today I decided to answer and explain the Vital Role of School Counselors 🌹🌹 School counselors are the unsung heroes of educational institutions, playing a crucial role in the holistic development of students. Beyond just academic guidance, they provide invaluable support to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond. *Here's a glimpse into their multifaceted role:* 1. Emotional Support: School counselors offer a safe space for students to express their feelings and concerns. Whether it's coping with personal issues, familial conflicts, or peer pressure, counselors provide a listening ear and offer strategies to manage emotions effectively.✨ 2. Academic Guidance: From course selection to career planning, counselors assist students in mapping out their academic journey. They provide guidance on suitable courses, extracurricular activities, and career pathways, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future.✨ 3. Crisis Intervention: In times of crisis, such as bullying incidents, mental health emergencies, or traumatic events, counselors are often the first responders. They offer immediate support, coordinate with relevant authorities, and implement strategies to ensure the well-being of students and staff.✨ 4. Conflict Resolution: Conflicts among students or between students and faculty are inevitable. School counselors act as mediators, facilitating constructive dialogues and promoting conflict resolution skills to foster a harmonious school environment.✨ 5. Advocacy and Outreach: Counselors advocate for the needs of students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds or with special needs. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and community resources to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and support services.✨ 6. Promoting Mental Health Awareness: In an era where mental health issues among youth are on the rise, counselors play a pivotal role in promoting awareness and destigmatizing mental health challenges. They conduct workshops, host awareness campaigns, and provide resources to foster a culture of empathy and support.✨ 7. Parental Support: Counselors work closely with parents to address concerns, provide parenting resources, and facilitate effective communication between home and school. By nurturing strong partnerships with families, counselors create a supportive ecosystem for student success. ✨ In essence, school counselors serve as pillars of support, guiding students through the ups and downs of their educational journey. Their dedication, empathy, and expertise contribute significantly to the overall well-being and success of the school community.🌹🌹 Any more questions? Don’t be hesitate to ask! :) #school_counselor #psychologist #mental_health #schools #social #psychology

🗣️ You spoke, and we listened.👂 In our recent Solution Focused School Counseling Survey, school counselors like you shared the realities of their work, the barriers they face, and the changes needed to better support students. I want to talk about the biggest challenges that stood out: 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 and 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 available, as well as 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 and 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀. 🏋️♀️ Over and over, we heard stories of overwhelming student-to-counselor ratios—sometimes reaching over 500 students per counselor! That’s simply too many for any counselor to provide the level of care each student deserves. 🤯 What’s more, we heard how these high caseloads impede you from engaging in preventive work and truly building connections with students. 😡 But it’s not just the numbers. Many of you shared your struggle with addressing student behavioral issues such as 𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝘆𝘀𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. These challenges are further compounded by the increasing number of students dealing with 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆. We understand how difficult it is to handle situations where students are at risk, and the emotional toll it can take on you as a counselor. 🙈 What’s more, when 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹 about their child’s needs, it can leave you feeling isolated and unsure of how to proceed. Some of you mentioned the struggle of dealing with parents who aren’t on board, adding another layer of complexity to your work. 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂. We know all too well about the frustrations of not being able to do the work you’re passionate about—connecting with students, supporting their growth, and making a difference in their lives. Just know that you are not alone. That’s why we’re excited to share 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀. Over 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 expressed a strong interest in a certification program. We’ve taken swift steps and are currently working with the certification board to finalize a 6-month program designed specifically for school counselors like you. This program will launch in November, allowing you to 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’s 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀! We believe this certification will be a game-changer—equipping you with strategies to manage caseloads more effectively, empowering you to address students' behavioral and mental health needs in less time, and ultimately helping you reclaim the joy in your work. If you’re interested in being the first to know more about this program as it becomes available, use the link in the comments to let us know! #k12education #SchoolLeaders #principalschool #SchoolSafety #StudentMentalHealth #SolutionFocused #SFSU

The role of a school principal as a parent involves balancing professional responsibilities with personal empathy and understanding. Here’s how a principal can embody this role effectively: Supporting Students: Just as parents support their children, a principal should advocate for the well-being and academic success of all students. This involves creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to excel. Communication: Like a parent, a principal should maintain open lines of communication with students, teachers, and parents. This helps in understanding concerns, addressing issues promptly, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Setting Expectations: Similar to how parents set expectations for their children, a principal sets academic and behavioral standards for the school. Clear expectations help create a positive learning environment and promote accountability. Individualized Support: Acknowledging that each student is unique, a principal, like a parent, should ensure that individual needs are met. This may involve providing additional resources, support services, or personalized learning plans. Role Model: A principal serves as a role model for students and staff alike. This involves demonstrating integrity, fairness, and respect—qualities that parents often strive to instill in their children. Parental Engagement: Just as parents are involved in their children’s education, a principal fosters strong relationships with parents and guardians. This collaboration is crucial for student success and ensures that families feel included in the school community. Crisis Management: In times of crisis or difficulty, a principal should provide reassurance and support, much like a parent would. This includes handling emergencies, addressing conflicts, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. Celebrating Achievements: Like parents celebrate their children’s milestones, a principal recognizes and celebrates the achievements of students, teachers, and the school community as a whole. This helps foster a positive school culture and motivates everyone to strive for excellence. In essence, the role of a school principal as a parent involves not only administrative duties but also a deep commitment to nurturing and supporting the growth and development of every student, much like 

Meaningful family engagement is so critical to students’ success in school. Numerous studies show that involvement is positively associated with student achievement. Evidence also shows that students with involved families are more likely to: ✔ Earn higher grades and test scores ✔ Pass their classes and graduate ✔ Attend school regularly ✔ Have better social skills and behavior https://lnkd.in/g3YNSDr8

Restorative practices encourage pro social behavior. Educators can use restorative practices are a toolset employed to help students understand how their actions impact others. Combined with other support systems, those practices become part of a comprehensive approach to addressing problematic student behavior. Students learn from their mistakes rather than simply suffering the consequences of their actions. Of course, there are consequences for our actions. However, understanding that our actions can cause harm and how to repair that harm can result in long-term changes in behavior. #education

Navigating the Middle School Transition: A Parent’s Guide To support students during this transition, it's important for parents, teachers, and school administrators to provide resources, guidance, and emotional support. This can include orientation programs, mentorship opportunities, counseling services, and creating a supportive and inclusive school environment where students feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking help when needed. https://lnkd.in/dpXcgWDY

Dr. Patrick Cunningham, assistant professor of professional school counseling, and Dr. Darcy Haag Granello, professor at The Ohio State University, recently published an article entitled, "Supporting Students’ Re-Entry and Reintegration After Crises: A Framework for School Counselors to Promote Mental Health and Safety" in the journal of Professional School Counseling . Read here: https://lnkd.in/eAcn8DAV Abstract In recent years, the rates of children and adolescents hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behaviors have increased, necessitating that schools be prepared to support students as they return to school after hospitalization. Yet, recent research shows that most schools do not have formalized policies and procedures to support students during their re-entry and reintegration. Further, although school counselors are often the members of the school community charged with organizing and implementing accommodations and interventions in support of these students, the field of school counseling has not adequately addressed the need for formalized re-entry and reintegration plans or the role that school counselors have in leading this process. To meet the needs of students returning after hospitalization for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, schools benefit from formalized and individualized re-entry and reintegration plans that are grounded in a larger framework of support. Further, school counselors are well positioned to take a leadership role in this process, and specific and practical strategies are available to guide them. We organize these recommendations using the evidence-based school counseling model.