Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Written evidence submitted by the Attachment Research Community and the Restorative Justice Council (CWSB170)

The Attachment Research Community and the Restorative Justice Council, representing a wide group of organisation have developed a key document "Engaging Our Children & Young People – Connecting the System". This highlights the urgent need for a cohesive, relational, and trauma-informed approach to improve outcomes for children and young people across education, health, social care, and the criminal justice system. It addresses the growing and interconnected challenges faced by children and young people across multiple sectors: education, health, social care, and criminal justice. It advocates for a holistic, relational, and trauma-informed approach that emphasises collaboration between these sectors to create a supportive and inclusive environment. In summary:

Challenges Faced by Young People

· A rise in mental health difficulties, with 20% of individuals aged 8-25 experiencing challenges.

· Increased school suspensions and exclusions, with persistent absences growing since the pandemic.

· Higher rates of children with special educational needs and those in care.

· Rising youth crime and reoffending rates, marking a troubling trend.

Recommendations for a Connected System

1. Strategic Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of disengagement approaches across sectors.

2. Unified Relational Approaches: Foster relational practices in education, health, social care, and justice systems.

3. Common Language Framework: Develop consistent terminology for professionals and young people.

4. Workforce Development: Implement a national CPD framework to enhance professional knowledge.

5. Teacher Training: Integrate relational and trauma-informed training in Initial Teacher Training frameworks.

6. Inspection Reforms: Align Ofsted and CQC frameworks to support inclusive practices.

7. Information Sharing: Enhance local authority IT systems for seamless data sharing.

Addressing Systemic Fragmentation

The current support system for children and young people is fragmented, with each sector operating in silos. This often leads to gaps in services, duplication of efforts, and conflicting advice. The document highlights the need for a strategic and connected system where professionals work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive care and guidance.

Promoting Relational and Trauma-Informed Practices

Relational approaches prioritise building trusting and consistent relationships, which are foundational to children’s sense of belonging, engagement, and overall well-being. By adopting trauma-informed practices, professionals can better understand and respond to the needs of children who have experienced adversity, fostering resilience and positive life outcomes.

Improving Educational Outcomes and Mental Health

The emphasis on relational practices in education addresses rising concerns about disengagement, behavioural issues, and mental health challenges among students. The document underscores the importance of creating emotionally supportive learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.

Strengthening Social Care Practices

In social care, restorative practices empower families and shift the focus from blame to collaboration. This approach not only improves the well-being of children in care but also reduces the need for placements by strengthening family support networks.

Enhancing Youth Justice Interventions

With youth crime and reoffending rates on the rise, the document promotes restorative justice as a transformative approach that repairs harm, fosters accountability, and reduces recidivism. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, young people are given opportunities to make positive changes.

Creating a Common Language and Shared Framework

The development of a national language framework and CPD framework ensures consistency in how professionals communicate and approach support for young people. This common understanding helps bridge gaps between sectors and improves service delivery.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

The document draws on extensive research to support its recommendations, highlighting the proven benefits of relational and restorative approaches in improving outcomes for children and young people.

Broader Societal Implications

By focusing on relational and trauma-informed practices, the document not only aims to improve immediate outcomes for children and young people but also contributes to long-term societal benefits. These include reduced crime rates, better mental health, and the development of resilient, engaged, and independent adults who contribute positively to their communities.

Benefits of Relational and Restorative Approaches

· Improved academic outcomes and mental health through Attachment Aware and trauma-informed practices.

· Strengthened relationships between children and key adults, fostering a sense of belonging.

· Evidence suggests relational approaches mitigate negative outcomes and reduce reoffending rates.

Sector-Specific Focus

· Education: Relational approaches promote student well-being and academic progress.

· Social Care: Restorative practices empower families and shift from blame-centric cultures.

· Health: Early intervention and safe spaces are vital for mental health care.

· Criminal Justice: Restorative justice reduces reoffending and promotes healing.

In summary, this document is a crucial blueprint for creating a more connected, compassionate, and effective support system for children and young people. Its recommendations, if implemented, have the potential to transform lives and strengthen society as a whole.

Contacts:

Andrew Wright OBE (Chair – Attachment Research Community) e-mail: andrew@the-arc.org.uk

Jim Simon – (CEO – Restorative Justice Council) e-mail: james.simon@restorativejustice.org.uk

January 2025