School targets ignore wider needs

Support and inclusion for children with the greatest social and
learning needs are being compromised because of the competitive
culture in schools, says a new study.

The research finds that the “current competitive climate of
standards, attainment and formal academic curriculum” does not
readily leave room for wider emotional and mental health
needs.

The report’s author Sheila Macrae, a research fellow at King’s
College, London, said that government initiatives to avoid children
being excluded from primary schools would have little success
unless support agencies improved joint working and involved
families.

– Challenging Exclusion in Primary Schools from 0207 848
3081