Abstract
This article presents a critical review of research into post-adoption support in educational settings using a rigorous systematic methodology. This is an important topic as effective support services at every stage can be transformative to adopted children’s school experiences and achievements. Relevant studies were found to be limited in number and methodological quality. Aspects of effective support identified across 11 studies were classified under four themes: strategies for support; shared understanding; communication; and monitoring. These themes can inform collaborative planning to meet adoptive children’s needs and could be introduced to school staff and adoptive parents through joint training. We propose that co-ordinated interdisciplinary research that focuses on the views of children and young people is required to meet the requirements of the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and make effective use of funding provided at both organisational and school levels.