Social Pedagogy

As part of national action to improve services for children and young people via multi-disciplinary work, integration and workforce development, the ‘Children’s Workforce Strategy’ proposed an idea to bring ‘Social Pedagogy’ to England.

Social pedagogy is widely used in European countries; it is an academic concept involving a system of theory, practice and training given to the professional, which supports the holistic development of the whole child and looks at all aspects of their life skills. The aim of social pedagogy is to achieve a stronger workforce with better and more consistent relationships and communication between professionals involved with children and young people, thus emphasising more focus on every aspect of the child’s life.

The term pedagogy is derived from the Greek ‘pais’ (child) and ‘agein’ (to lead, to bring up). The DCSF are currently carrying out social pedagogy pilot schemes in children’s residential care homes England, but it can also be used in a wide range of settings including early years, youth work, social work settings, health, youth justice setting etc, and applies to overall support for children’s development bringing together education, social care and health.

If you would like to know more, or would like to voice your views about social pedagogy please contact Kerry 0191 440 4410.