Please note that there are two different conference venues: June 14/15 - Century City Conference Centre June 16 - Kirstenbosch Conference Centre (transportation available)
Identifying the Barriers to, and Facilitators of Resilience Based Practice on Outcomes for Pupils with Complex Needs Presenter: Elaine Rogers (Eleanor Smith School, UK) Co-Authors: Stephanie Coombe, Angie Hart, Sharon Clayton, Julie Rowland, Graham Smith Introduction: Whole school approaches that involve all staff, regardless of role, and include pupils with complex needs are scarce. Pupils with complex needs are typically excluded from resilience promoting research. This work differs in its co-produced focus and involvement of those most affected by decisions made about them. Methods: Mixed methods were used with staff and pupils. A creative, arts based approach (body mapping) was used with pupils, along with a collaborative inquiry with staff, based on an action research methodology. ALL staff were involved in the research, regardless of role; including the cook and cleaner, along with teaching staff, support staff and senior leaders. Quantitative data, in the form of school attendance and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores were used to triangulate the thematic analysis findings from the qualitative methods. Findings: Data indicated a positive impact on school attendance, and social and emotional progress made by pupils, specifically in the areas of the importance of one significant adult, relationships and school ethos. A whole school approach that recognises the impact of small resilient moves on pupil difficulties is recommended.
