Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #298
The Impact on Disadvantaged Pupils of a Whole School Resilience Approach 
Presenter: Stephanie Coombe
Abstract:
This research used a Whole School approach, implementing the Resilience Framework (RF) developed by Hart, Blincow and Thomas (2007) to improve outcomes for children with complex needs, set in the context of socio-economic adversity (the third most deprived Borough in England). Pupils in this context benefitted from a whole school RF approach because it focused on their strengths and needs holistically, not just academically. The whole school approach involved recognised the importance and positive impact of relationships and significant others in pupils’ lives – site supervisors, teachers, cooks, sports coaches, senior leaders.A collaborative, mixed methods approach was used in this research to investigate the following aims with 12 staff and 12 pupils: To identify staff practice that supported their developing resilience in pupils. To identify with staff when, and whether a resilience framework could be incorporated into their daily practice.  To identify the mechanisms that staff and pupils consider have a positive impact on pupil’s wellbeing when using the RF. To address a gap in the resilience based practice literature on developing interventions for pupils with complex needs.