These interventions can broadly be seen in four categories with the first three, Family Engagement, Attendance and Nurture being the most important starting points for this group, obviously academic support is important and good schools will already be doing a lot of academic interventions but without the first three the chances of success with CWSW are limited.
Initiatives which targeted parents/carer engagement have been seen as particularly useful. (Michael Sanders, 2018). An Education Endowment Fund report from 2018 reviewed suggested interventions for this group and although the initial findings were based on a small cohort there were 10 interventions which showed signs of potential, those with which made the greatest difference involved parents as well as children. (Michael Sanders, 2018) Evidence around Domestic Violence and Education supports this with an emphasis on recognising the child and family context. (Lloyd, 2018)
Family Engagement:
- Ensuring good communication links with families.
- Building relationships with families, starting with office staff as key initial contacts. Being aware of ‘disguised compliance’. (Spinks, 2022).
- Parent Support Officers who are used to inform, support and signpost.
- Strong admissions process to meet all new families.