The role of parents in supporting adolescents with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs

The number of adolescents being excluded from schools, or at risk of exclusion, has been on the rise in the United Kingdom for a number of years.

It has been argued that parents can play an important role in supporting their child's engagement with education.

This thesis aims to examine the role that parents can play in cooperating with educational settings to support children with SEMH needs.

Chapter 2 presents a systematic literature review examining the efficacy of school-based SEMH interventions for adolescents involving some form of parental participation.

Quantitative studies were examined using Gough's weight of evidence framework.

Findings were inconsistent, however some studies reported small to medium improvements in pupil outcomes across a range of indicators.

Further research would be able to build on these findings by clarifying whether it is the parent's involvement in these interventions that leads to the effects observed.

Chapter 3 presents a qualitative exploration of the role of parents in the reintegration process out of an alternative provision and examines factors that may affect parent's engagement with this role.

Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with staff and focus groups with pupils from alternative provisions, and analysed using Thematic Analysis.

The parental role included communication, working with professionals, supporting the child, and taking responsibility.

Factors impacting engagement with this role include the professional's and child's views and relationships with the parent, the parent's skills, emotions, views and experiences, the education system, and practical barriers.