This article presents a critical review of research into post-adoption support in educational settings using a rigorous systematic methodology. This is an important topic as effective support services at every stage can be transformative to adopted children's school experiences and achievements. Relevant studies were found to be limited in number and methodological quality. Aspects of effective support identified across 11 studies were classified under four themes: strategies for support; shared understanding; communication; and monitoring. These themes can inform collaborative planning to meet adoptive children's needs and could be introduced to school staff and adoptive parents through joint training. We propose that co-ordinated interdisciplinary research that focuses on the views of children and young people is required to meet the requirements of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and make effective use of funding provided at both organisational and school levels.
Many adopted children face challenges at school and college which adversely affect their experience and attainment. Without effective post-adoption support, they are at an increased risk of being excluded from or opting out of education. While this has been confirmed by research, there has been less discussion of the problems children face and the services they find helpful. This is especially the case for those over the age of 16 (the statutory school leaving age in the UK). To explore this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five adopted young people aged between 16 and 19. A thematic analysis of their responses identified four factors that help them continue in post-16 education: (1) a positive self-identity; (2) supportive people; (3) supportive approaches; and (4) supportive systems. Participants identified the benefits of staff appreciating the needs of adopted children and the features that promote an ‘adoption-friendly’ ethos in schools and colleges. The implications of these observations for understanding the educational needs of adopted young people, practice development and future research are discussed. Attention is drawn to the importance of multi-agency work and the role of adopted young people in steering and co-producing effective support in educational settings.
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