Getting them back to school—touchstones of good practice in the residential care of young people

The educational experience of children in residential care gives cause for concern. They achieve poorer results and are excluded more often than their peers. The literature has overemphasised the problem and under emphasised the description of good practice. Practitioners have been insufficiently involved in the debate. This paper describes in detail the approach of one residential project, which assists difficult and damaged young people to remain in mainstream schooling. The Project's approach is based on six principles—mutual professional respect, clear philosophy, attention to detail, a culture which values education, joint planning and determination in the face of setbacks. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.