Free ACAMH Talk on 'LinkEd Up'
In comparison to previously favoured terms such as ‘school refuser’, EBSA highlights the impact of unmet emotional needs over school non-attendance which then informs the intervention offered for students struggling to attend school. Supporting the psychological needs of young people with attendance difficulties is therefore crucial to create change. The LinkEdUp programme, designed and delivered by the Royal Free Hospital School and Camden’s Educational Psychology Service, aims to re-engage young people with school by supporting students, families and school staff to implement a phased return to school. This talk will outline the nature of the initial 2 week re-engagement programme and follow up support offered to schools and families over two terms. Early evaluation data suggests that the LinkEdUp programme has had a positive impact on student attendance and engagement with learning: further impact data will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives
- To understand what Emotionally Based School Avoidance is and the principles underpinning psychological intervention for students
- To outline the LinkEdUp programme in terms of its aims, delivery and impact
About the speakers
Dr. Cat Halligan is an Educational Psychologist working in the London Borough of Camden. In her current role, she specialises in working with young people, families and schools affected by social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including those with school attendance difficulties. She has worked with mainstream and specialist schools, supporting young people with a range of needs, their families and school staff. Prior to becoming an Educational Psychologist, Cat was a secondary teacher in London. She has recently published research about school attendance difficulties and teaching strategies for low attaining GCSE students.
Jemma Michelson has experience of working as a Primary teacher in mainstream London schools for over 10 years. In her current role, she works as a teacher at the Royal Free Children’s hospital school engaging with young people who are unable to attend school because they are receiving medical treatment in hospital. She holds the responsibility of Designated Safeguard lead as well as school Liaison teacher for the Eating Disorder Intensive service (Royal Free NHS Trust), coordinating bespoke education plans of reintegration for young people who are missing education due to ongoing medical treatment.
THE RECORDING FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW AVAILABLE HERE