Safeguarding, Vulnerability, Family Functioning

Understanding Concepts of Vulnerability; in this opening section we will introduce, explore and contextualise how concepts such as social, economic, familial and individual vulnerability are understood. Illustrative topics which will be covered will be focussed on contextual safeguarding, perceptions and definitions of vulnerability and how these might be encountered and supported within the education setting and wider education practice. Specific reference will be made in this section to explore how perceptions of vulnerability inform practice and the ways in which vulnerability concerns are believed to adversely affect children's education and wellbeing, then their learning and development. One of the key focusses within this opening section relates to identifying the dangers associated with assuming a particular type of harm or the lack of harm can be associated with a particular type of vulnerability, family structure and/or family functioning.