The "Supporting Kids, Avoiding Problems" (SKIP) study: relationships between school exclusion, psychopathology, development and attainment – a case control study. Issue 2 (20th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parker, Claire; Marlow, Ruth; Kastner, Marc; May, Felix; Mitrofan, Oana; Henley, William; Ford, Tamsin
• Is Part Of: Journal of children's services. Volume 11:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2016-06-20
• Subjects: Development -- Mental health -- Primary school -- Psychopathology -- Attainment -- Primary school children -- School exclusion -- School suspension -- Primary school age; Child care services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1108/JCS-03-2015-0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-6660

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school between the ages of 4 and 12 years and the role of psychopathology, development and attainment. Design/methodology/approach: – A case-control approach was conducted. Cases were children who had been excluded from school compared to those who had no reported exclusions and normative data where possible. A range of measures were used to collect information from the parent, child and teacher on areas covering the child's mental health and well-being. Findings: – The findings showed the number of difficulties faced by children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school compared to gender- and age-matched controls and normative data increased. Behavioural difficulties were apparent in the majority of the cases and an alarming number of children reported self-harm. Interestingly nearly all the cases had recognised needs, but not all of them were accessing appropriate services. Practical implications: – There have been a number of changes regarding the identification and support of children's mental health and well-being. This study highlights gaps in resources and provision, particularly around behavioural difficulties for children who are presenting as not coping in school. Originality/value: – The findings from the SKIP study indicate the complexities and compounded difficulties faced by children who are experiencing exclusion from school. By implementing a systematic group of assessments the study was able to identify these complexities of need across a vulnerable group of children.