Working with school-refusing young people in Tower Hamlets, London

Abstract

This study looks at the local context, describing quantitative data from a subset of young people seen within the inner London Tower Hamlets Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) that are extremely socially withdrawn and unable to attend mainstream education. The core aim of this research was to examine the views of professionals who work with and for these young people. Qualitative group interviews were used to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of these young people, what might contribute to their withdrawal from school and what needs to be done to help them reintegrate. Professionals reported that these young people were highly complex in terms of their needs and presentation and that there is a lack of clarity around what causes these young people to withdraw. They agreed that a more intensive multilayered intervention was required to meet their needs. Interventions that include gradual socialization, parental involvement and which address the role of technology were indicated. However, more research is needed to clarify how to effectively intervene.