Starting a new school can be challenging for any child, but it can be especially difficult for children in foster care who have experienced trauma or instability. As a foster carer, being aware of potential signs that your foster child is struggling at their new school is important, so you can provide them with the support they need. Here are 5 common signs to look out for.
Poor Academic Performance
One of the most obvious signs that a foster child is struggling at school is poor performance in class. This could involve lower scores on assignments and tests, missing homework, or even failing classes. If you notice a pattern of decreasing academic performance, it likely indicates your child is having trouble keeping up or engaging in their coursework. Reach out to their teachers to understand where they are struggling and how you can support them. Extra tutoring or homework help may be needed.
Avoiding School
Children who are struggling at school often try to avoid going. They may frequently ask to stay home sick or skip school without permission. If your foster child is missing a lot of school or constantly asking to miss, it’s a clear sign that something about the school environment is causing them stress or anxiety. Talk to them about what exactly they are trying to avoid – is it academics, social situations, a particular class or person? Then work with the school to make reasonable accommodations.
Withdrawal and Isolation
Watch for social withdrawal and isolation in your foster child. Do they seem lonely or have trouble making friends? Do they disengage from classmates or keep to themselves during free periods and lunch? Foster children can sometimes have difficulty connecting due to their backgrounds. Check in with them often about their social life and relationships. Inform teachers if they seem isolated so peers and staff can be encouraged to engage them. Counselling may also help.
Loss of Interest in School
Most kids have some activities or subjects they enjoy at school, whether it’s art, PE, maths or seeing their friends. However, if your foster child suddenly loses interest in all aspects of school and no longer gets excited or looks forward to anything, that signals a problem. They may be struggling with academics, bullying, or simply feeling like they don’t belong. Make the school aware so they can identify issues and provide mentoring. Getting your child involved in new clubs or sports can also help reengage them.
Behavioural Changes
When children are struggling at school, it often manifests through changes in their behaviour – both at school and at home. Teachers may report increased irritability, acting out, or disruptiveness. You may also notice these behaviours, as well as other concerning changes like aggression, moodiness, or defiance. The school work itself may be causing frustration, or the child may be acting out due to social or emotional issues like bullying. By partnering with the school and working with your foster agency, such as fcascotland.co.uk, you can get to the root of what’s causing the behavioural problems and intervene appropriately.
The school environment presents many hurdles for foster children, but as a foster carer, you can provide the support needed to help them overcome struggles. Paying attention to these common signs of school issues allows you to quickly step in with the right mix of accommodations, counselling, and care. With your support, foster children can get back on track to academic success.