Social pedagogy is a
concept which is practised
throughout Europe, however is
particularly evident in Denmark,
Norway and Germany
Pedagogues work in a
variety of settings, e.g
Childhood centres,
resisidential homes, youth
work and also for adults with
disabilities
Social pedagogues work closely
with individuals and groups to enable
them to develop their potential as
social beings
There is an importance placed on team working and valuing
the contributions of other people including families,
communities and other professionals (This can be linked with
the "web of relationships", Integrated working, team around
the child"
Stig Lund chapter 10 "Young Europeans"
talks about the emphasis on relationships
and how learning in a social context can be
a deciding factor for the developement of
personality
Social pedagogues have
a very different kind of
education and training in
terms of length, level and
structure
The social pedagogical
approach could be
described as a holistic
approach. Which uses a
combination of
practice,theory and training
to support and focus on the
whole child/young person
throughout their
developement
There is an importance placed on
reflection and the ability to bring both
theorectial understanding and
self-knowledge to the process of
working with young people
Common competencies; the ability to work
with both groups and individuals, effective
communication, non-judgemental values
and the ability to think critically, listen and
work democratically
Democracy is a key aspect in all
training and practice of social
pedagogues
Social pedagogy has been referred
to as work with "head. heart and
hands" and its focus is on reflection,
self knowledge and shared practical
settings
An emphasis is placed on associate
spaces. The pedagogical approach
promotes social inclusion by
encouraging practitioners to share life
spaces such as; working and living
areas with children and young people,
and not exist in separate areas
Pedagogical approach promotes
social inclusion by encouraging
practitioners to share life spaces
such as; working and living areas
with children and young people, and
not exist in separate areas
Associative spaces in the social
pedagogical approach are used to improve
relationships and communications between
adults and young people. It is via theses
social interactions that dialogue is shared
and relationships are strengthened
Associative life between children and adults
in Denmark was successful. For example
Danish young people stated, “they enjoyed
spending time with the pedagogues” and
often went on holiday with them or shared
“cosy time” such as, watching TV.
Pat Petrie Chapter 9 "Associate spaces"
identifies the social pedalogical approach
has a clear emphasis on associative spaces
when children and adults spend time
together.
Children and young people
should be respected and
trusted to act responsibility .
The pedagogues achieve
this level of trust by not
constantly supervising, and
allowing children to make
their own judgements
The emphasis on
relationship building with
children and young people
including the developement
of practical skills to facilitate
this
7 year old boy in care was allowed to
walk unaccompanied into the town
centre, this would not be permitted in
the UK . However, the care worker
stated, that it is “very important to
show the child you trust them”.
MPs from Children's schools
and families select committee
visited Denmark. 6/10 children
leaving care in Denmark go on to
higher education, compared to
only 6/100 UK
The emphasis on children's rights,
participation and empowerment
Social pedagogue's role involves caring for
children and young people in both the
emotional and physical sense, whilst also
teaching them life skills such as; socialisation,
responsibility and interpersonal skills
The child is seen as a social being, connected to
others and at the same time with his or her own
distinctive experiences and knowledges