To provide an understanding of the impact of divorce or separation on children’s lives and how their emotional needs can be supported in school. To consider the legal implications around divorced and separated families and to provide guidance in understanding and managing this consequential step taken by so many families.
3.8 million children in separated families
41% of those families have no formal child maintenance arrangements
There are many children living in fractured families and this can have a devastating effect on their emotional health and wellbeing. An understanding of how divorce and separation can affect everyday life is crucial to building a strong pastoral foundation.
Even in amicable separations life will change for the child, from having two homes and thus needing enhanced organisational skills, to a blended family with new siblings.
However, many separations are acrimonious, filled with sadness, rage and fear; where children can become collateral damage if the needs of the parents take priority; where sad and angry adults may have limited emotional space for their confused and frightened children. And when parents are unable to agree on arrangements for their child it will be the Family Court who will then decide, which in itself can lead to disruption, involvement of outside agencies and cost.
All of this can affect a child in a profound way and schools will play a key role in helping them to navigate both the practical and the emotional impact on their lives.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Senior leaders, DSL teams, Safeguarding leads, Pastoral staff and Family support teams
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the masterclass participants will have:
Considered the statistical evidence
Explored the emotional and material consequences
Explored the role the school can play in supporting the child and the family
An understanding of the legal implications
Considered scenarios, resources, strategies and activities.
FACILITATOR
After working in schools for over 25 years, as a teacher and senior leader, Liz then worked as safeguarding advisor for Birmingham Local Authority. She moved to work with an educational charity for 10 years, where, as well as leading on Mental Health, Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Liz advised schools and other organisations in all aspects of Safeguarding.
Liz now works as an independent advisor working with schools and other organisations in a number of ways, such as training staff and auditing wellbeing. She has delivered keynote presentations, workshops and research findings at national conferences. Liz is the author of 8 books, teaching sets and resources that are used across the country and internationally by schools and by other professionals working with children and has written for a number of professional journals such as ‘The Psychologist’ and the TES. Liz has worked for the Anna Freud Centre and also works as a Wellbeing Award advisor and verifier for Optimus Education and as a Trauma and Attachment Aware trainer for Flourish. Liz is a member of the Attachment Research Community (ARC) and a Protective Behaviours associate practitioner and trainer. Liz also sits as a Magistrate in the Family Court.
