Why Focus on Adopted Children?

We understand that adopted children are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Up to 75% of adopted children are exposed to alcohol in the womb creating lifelong neurological and cognitive consequences. 74% experience abuse and neglect from their birth families. This causes adopted children to view the world as a frightening place in which adults are unpredictable and unsafe, unable to meet their basic needs.

 Adopted children must work out their identify and build new relationships while dealing with substance exposure, trauma and loss. The abuse, neglect, trauma and loss experienced at an early age can have an enduring impact upon their psychological, emotional and cognitive development.

We work in partnership with adoptive parents to prove the highest level of support for adopted pupils and to understand their needs on an individual basis, even when they have a ‘forever home’. We aim to support their emotional well-being alongside their education. We work to understand the attachment difficulties of adopted children, even if these are not physically manifested.

 The SEND Code of Practice (2014) states that children can have a special educational need in one or more of the following areas:

• Communication and interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Social, emotional and mental health
• Sensory and/or physical

 The developmental trauma experienced by adopted children can affect each of these areas. The presentation of adopted children can vary significantly on a day-to-day basis, highlighting different areas of need. The impact of children’s emotional, social and mental health needs upon their development means that we must prioritize support if adopted children are to succeed academically.

We adopt a whole school approach to support the needs of all pupils. All staff have a vital role to play in supporting children socially, emotionally and academically to raise attainment and support their holistic development.