This post (7 of 8) discusses how the SEND landscape faces frustration with compliance procedures that, while necessary for safeguarding vulnerable children, can feel burdensome. Reforms aim to simplify processes but may overlook the importance of relational frameworks vital for genuine inclusion. Effective belonging cannot be achieved through paperwork alone; it requires community and connection.
Safeguarding
Algorithms, Appetite, and the Economics of Harm
This post (6 of 8) discusses how children are shaped by economic systems, particularly through technology and food, which influence their desires and behaviours. It highlights the negative impacts of social media and ultra-processed foods on mental and physical health, advocating for reforms that consider these market incentives to foster genuine belonging and well-being.
Fear and Fences: Safety, Risk, and the Loss of Informal Space
Since the 1990s, safeguarding reforms in the UK have improved child protection, but they risk stifling opportunities for children's growth through over-regulation. Institutionalised environments, while protective, can limit informal interactions essential for developing relational skills. The challenge lies in finding a balance between safety and the nurturing of genuine community and resilience.
The Broken Church 