An exploration of school staff and educational psychologists perceptions of promoting a sense of belonging and self-identity in children and young people who attend internal inclusion units in schools with Lianne Lusted (TEP)

This presentation provides an overview of the research project Lianne carried out as a Year 1 Trainee Educational Psychologist. Lianne interviewed EPs and school staff with experience of internal inclusion rooms. These internal inclusion areas are widely used although there is limited guidance on them. These areas vary from supportive environments to punitive areas as part of a sanction hierarchy. The research questions aimed to answer how teachers perceive children who attend internal inclusion areas; how supported teachers feel in restoring a child’s self-identity or sense of belonging following attendance in internal inclusion areas; and how EPs see their role in supporting staff to build self-identity and a sense of belonging in children/ young people who have attended internal inclusion rooms.