Social pedagogy is about viewing the child's life as a whole, looking at a range of issues such as health, social care and education, according to Dr Claire Cameron, senior researcher at the Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU), which has been commissioned by the government to help pilot the concept in the UK.
But social pedagogues, who are commonplace across Europe, are no mere generalists. They are usually trained to degree level, have more than a year's placement experience before starting work and focus on building close relationships with children.
Pragmatism is also part of the role. They constantly review working practices and are ready to swiftly alter them to meet the changing needs of each child. Pedagogues are also actively encouraged to form strong, long-lasting relationships with the children and young people with whom they work. On the Continent, it is not unusual for young adults who left the care system many years ago to still be in regular contact with their pedagogue and their relationship is so strong that they view them almost as part of their family.
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