Education Pathways: Supporting Schools and Adopted Children - Case Study Adoption UK's Education Pathway programme aims to help children and young people facing challenges in education feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Delivered by an Adoption UK education psychologist, the programme supports both families and schools to work together to create a positive, understanding learning environment where every child can reach their potential. Through expert guidance, realistic strategies, and collaborative working, we empower schools to build practical and trauma-informed approaches in the classroom that make a real difference—not just for adopted children, but for the wider school community. For more information on our education pathways programme and how families can access the programme, please contact: [email protected] Isabelle's Story A School-Family Partnership in Action *Karen and Stuart, adoptive parents of Isabelle, felt overwhelmed and unsure how best to support her complex learning needs. While her school was always willing and committed to helping, her recent diagnosis of FASD and ADHD made it clear that a stronger partnership between home and school was needed to ensure she felt safe, understood, and settled in the classroom. Wanting to give Isabelle the best possible chance to thrive, they reached out to Adoption UK’s Psychology and Therapy Hub and accessed the Education Pathways programme, hoping to bridge the gap and create a more tailored approach to Isabelle’s learning journey. Collaborative Strategies for the Classroom Through the pathway, Karen, Stuart, and Isabelle's school took part in four consultation sessions led by a clinical psychologist. Three of these sessions included school staff, providing a dedicated space for collaborative problem-solving. These sessions focused on exploring Isabelle's challenges, sharing insights from both the family and school perspectives, and developing and testing practical classroom strategies. A key focus of the consultations was developing a shared understanding of Isabelle's emotional needs and with the support of a psychologist, the school gained a clearer understanding of the underlying reasons for Isabelle's behaviours, allowing teachers to create a more supportive and predictable learning environment, ultimately helping Isabelle feel safe and regulated. Supporting the Family While the pathway provided invaluable support for teachers, it also recognised the importance of supporting the family. Karen and Stuart took part in peer support sessions with other adoptive parents facing similar challenges. These sessions provided a safe space to share experiences, swap practical tips, and discuss strategies for managing common issues like separation anxiety. The focus on parental well-being ensured that Karen and Stuart were equipped to effectively support Isabelle's learning journey. Positive Outcomes for Isabelle and Her Teachers "Isabelle is much calmer, and I feel like I better understand where she’s coming from. Outbursts at school have reduced." Isabelle's mum, Karen Following the education pathway programme a strong and trusting partnership has blossomed between the family and the school. Teachers reported a significant increase in their understanding of Isabelle's behaviours, recognising that actions like running around the classroom could indicate feelings of anxiety or insecurity, rather than simply misbehaviour. This new understanding also led to a consistent approach to supporting her across the school, helping teachers respond to Isabelle with empathy and support, rather than reacting to the behaviour itself. This shift in perspective not only led to a calmer and more settled Isabelle in the classroom but also enriched the professional development of the teachers involved, equipping them with valuable skills to support other vulnerable children in their classrooms Manage Cookie Preferences