Supporting a child with mental health or behavioural challenges can be a monumental task in itself. Reintegrating them back into mainstream education is another feat that needs a collaborative approach to implementing the right support possible for children.
Government guidance has highlighted:
“To aid reintegration, as far as possible, the child should be able to access the curriculum and materials that they would have used in their home school. This could also include attending educational visits, even if this requires providing extra and suitable support. This could also possibly include the use of digital resources.”
A child needs to gradually build their confidence if they are struggling with anxiety, EBSA or other neurodivergent challenges. Alternatively, if they are experiencing disruptive behaviour or misbehaving, then supportive strategies need to be integrated.
Let’s look at 10 ways you can reintegrate your students back into the classroom.
- Individualised support: Schedule a private chat to understand their reason for absence, their emotional state, and any academic concerns they might have.
- Celebrate achievements: Positivity can go a long way. Organise a mini-celebration to acknowledge their hard work and achievements outside the classroom.
- Revisit expectations: Briefly review classroom rules and routines, especially if there have been changes. Focus on positive reinforcement and clear communication.
- Offer choices: Provide options for assignments or activities to cater to their learning pace and interests. This helps them feel empowered and engaged.
- Open communication: Encourage open communication about any challenges they face, be it academic, social, or emotional. Let them know your door is always open for a listening ear.
- Collaborative activities: Foster teamwork through group projects or discussions. This helps them reconnect with peers and build a sense of belonging.
- Seek extra support: If needed, collaborate with school counsellors, social workers, or learning specialists to develop personalised support plans.
- Bridge the academic gap: Discuss missed work and create a personalised plan to catch them up. Offer individual or small group tutoring, provide access to online resources, and allow them to submit work at their own pace.
- Parental collaboration: Communicate regularly with parents or guardians about the student’s progress and challenges. Work together to create a consistent support system at home and school.
- Mental health awareness: Be mindful of the potential emotional impact of the absence. Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) activities into your curriculum to equip students with coping mechanisms and emotional resilience. Be wary that this doesn’t trigger any trauma though.
Reintegrate with online alternative provision
EDClass’s online alternative provision can be an effective reintegration model that allows students to incrementally raise their confidence. Students can acquire one-to-one academic and pastoral support from UK-qualified teachers.
EDClass also works in unison with parents, schools, MATs and LAs to implement the best package for a child. Bespoke learning pathways are provided that accommodate the ability of each student.
EDClass can be used on or off-site in a school setting. A hybrid approach can be particularly effective as it provides flexibility for a child. This can also be used with part-time timetables allowing children to build their self-esteem and comfort with the school building and their peers.
If you would like to learn more about EDClass and what it can offer in terms of successfully reintegrating a child or safeguarding them through an online provision, call 01909 568338, email mail@edclass.com or enquire for more information here.
