How Is the Health and Welfare of Children Who Attend School Protected and

Part 1
Option A
How is the health and welfare of children who attend school protected and
supported?

This assignment will demonstrate the way in which the health and welfare of children
who attend school is protected and supported. Evidence will be
drawn from the work of Volger et al and Piaget on the different types of transitions.
and by comparing two different school situations e.g. Kate and Lakshmi case
study. Also from the policies relating to behaviour, physical punishment and the
human rights of pupils. In the conclusion, key evidence will be summarised that will
also answer the question.

Childhood is a key indicator in the health and welfare of children. Throughout
childhood most children will encounter school and during this time transitions will
occur. Transitions should not be seen as a one off event but a gradual
process and should be planned for and discussed with children and parents or
carers. Vogler et al (2008) identified three types of transitions. Horizontal transitions
can occur regularly or on a daily basis. An example of this is children moving from
playground to classroom. Next there are vertical transitions. These are linked to a
specific event e.g. starting school. A childs first day at school is a vertical transition.
The child may look for reassurance from their main carer, as well as a teacher or
practitioner, who is there to help the child to settle. The work of Piaget (1896-1980)
influenced the timings of these vertical transitions. Piagets work on the four stages of
cognitive development was linked to childrens behaviour. He believed that all


children went through all four stages, consecutively. When linking transitions with
these four stages, Piaget believed these all happened at more or less the same time.
To help with the transition from primary to secondary school, all parties involved
should work together as this will ensure a smooth transition. This will mean teaching...