Annual Report 2017, Copenhagen

The network received a good number of proposals this year, including some that focussed on high quality quantitative research. There was also considerable focus upon areas such as the experience of migrant and refugee children and the role of a range of services in supporting ‘at risk’ children and young people, both growing themes over the last couple of years.

The network held eight sessions all consisting of separate papers which covered an impressive range of areas and interests.  The sessions were all enthusiastically attended and presenters and attendees were able to have extended, in-depth conversations about the papers and the issues they raised, as the presenters addressed common and overlapping areas and themes. In general, the thematic coherence of the presentations was good, especially considering the breadth of interests covered by the network and its members.

As always, ECER offered the opportunity for network members to share experiences and discuss research, policy and practice in relation to children and youth at risk and urban education.  The sessions were strong in reflecting the conference theme of the pressure of constant change and the ambivalent positions of policy and research in key network areas such as supporting vulnerable young people and building resilience in disadvantaged communities. The network is also well-placed to contribute to the 2018 conference’s focus on issues of inclusion and exclusion and will continue to build on links to other networks to reflect this.