The Importance of Supporting Students Not Accessing Education: How Re-Engagement Transforms Lives
For many parents and caregivers, the challenges of supporting a child or young adult who is struggling to access education can feel overwhelming. Whether it's due to mental health struggles, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), or behavioural issues, the rising exclusion rates in education highlight a growing concern.
The Rise in School Exclusions in Lincolnshire
In the academic year of 2022/2023, Lincolnshire reported a significant rise in temporary exclusions across primary and secondary schools. The data shows that 446 primary school children and 3,681 secondary school children were excluded at least once. Among these, children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) were notably affected. SEN students accounted for a substantial portion of these exclusions, with 1,244 cases in secondary schools alone​   (Lincolnshire County Council).
Why Re-Engagement Matters: The Long-Term Impact
When a learner is excluded or disengages from school, it can set off a chain reaction that affects many aspects of their life. Studies show that children and young adults who are excluded or persistently absent from school are at higher risk for:
Mental Health Struggles: Children/young adults who feel left behind academically often experience increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy.
Limited Job Prospects: Disengagement from education is linked to lower academic achievement, which in turn limits future job opportunities. A child/young adult who is not in school today may find it harder to gain the qualifications they need to succeed in adulthood.
Social Isolation: School is not just a place for learning—it’s where children and young adults build friendships, develop social skills, and learn to navigate the world. Disengagement can lead to feelings of isolation and social withdrawal.
How We Can Support Learners Not Accessing Education
Re-engaging learners in education is not just the responsibility of schools—it’s something that parents, caregivers, and the wider community can contribute to. Here’s how:
1. Understand the Root Cause of Disengagement
Before any effective support can be provided, it’s essential to understand why your child is struggling with school. Is it due to anxiety, bullying, learning difficulties, trauma or other underlying issues? Or perhaps it's the result of SEND that isn’t being adequately addressed? Identifying the root cause helps you, the school, and any external support services work together to create a plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.
2. Create a Supportive and Safe Environment at Home
When a learner is struggling with school, home should feel like a safe space where they can talk openly about their worries without fear of judgment. Encourage conversations about their experiences at school and listen to their concerns. Creating a nurturing environment is the first step towards helping them feel understood and supported.
3. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
In many cases, learners disengage from education due to underlying emotional or mental health issues. Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals such as counsellors, educational psychologists, or SEND specialists to assess your child’s needs. In Lincolnshire, there are various local services available to provide support, and your GP can often refer you to these resources. The Lincolnshire SEND Local Offer provides a wide range of services and support options to help families and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/send-local-offer.
4. Consider Alternative Learning Approaches
For some learners, traditional classroom environments simply don’t work. If your child has been excluded or is struggling with mainstream education, exploring alternative learning environments may be the solution. This could include home education, specialist schools, or tutoring services that offer flexible, one-on-one support.
Tutoring, in particular, can be highly beneficial for children and young adults with SEND or those who have been excluded. It allows for a personalised learning approach that caters to their pace, interests, and learning style, helping them build confidence and make progress without the pressure of a classroom environment.
Lincoln Inclusive Tutoring, while one of many services available, offers tailored support for students who struggle to access mainstream education, helping them regain confidence in learning. By working closely with families and educational professionals, services like ours aim to reintroduce children and young adults into education in a way that works best for them.
Why This Matters for Your Child
The importance of re-engaging learners with education cannot be overstated. Education doesn’t just provide knowledge—it gives learners the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build successful and fulfilling lives. Every learner deserves a chance to learn, grow, and succeed, even if their journey doesn’t follow the traditional path.
For many learners, having just one person—whether a parent, tutor, or mentor—believe in their potential can make all the difference. As parents, caregivers and educators, we have the power to offer that belief and support, helping to overcome their challenges and rediscover the joy of learning.
In Lincolnshire, where exclusion rates are higher than average, it’s more important than ever to ensure that no child or young adult is left behind. By working together—parents, educators, and support services alike—we can help every learner find their way back to education and a brighter future.
Next Month's Blog -Â Understanding an Holistic Approach To Education
Stay tuned for more updates and next month's blog which will be focusing on understanding an holistic approach to education. Together, we can create an inclusive future where every child and young adult has the opportunity to thrive!
