Pupils' behaviour can affect teacher morale, attrition, and exclusions. Teachers' efficacy beliefs can serve as a protective factor against stress and burnout. This study examined a possible association between teachers' collective efficacy (CE) beliefs and exclusion rates, and whether student-teacher relationships (STRs) affected CE beliefs and…

This exploratory study employed mixed-methods to investigate outcomes associated with an online self-determination theory (SDT) based teacher professional development (PD) intervention, and explored teachers' perspectives about re-engaging students following COVID-19. Participants were 33 secondary school teachers from across England and Wales.…

This paper explores whether children and young people (CYP) with additional learning needs (ALN) are at a systemic disadvantage regarding Welsh language opportunities. Justification pertaining to why this should be on the radar of educational psychologists (EPs) in Wales is provided. Congruent with critical realism, quantitative and qualitative…

UK government statistics illustrate that children's mental health problems are rising. Schools are positioned as central to identifying and responding to children's mental health problems, and teachers are seen to play a crucial role in fostering positive relationships, developing supportive environments, and implementing targeted interventions.…

Emotionally based school non-attendance (EBSNA) needs are complex, with a distinctive combination of risk factors affecting each individual. This study presents an exploration of the perceived facilitators to successful returns to school for two primary-aged children who had previously experienced anxiety around school attendance. The perspectives…

Initial research into the use of Emotion Coaching (EC) in educational settings has suggested that it can support social and emotional development, and promote positive relationships and behaviour. This research used a sequential mixed-methods design to examine the factors which impact on the implementation of EC. The views of 40 staff across six…

This exploratory study considered the impact of a whole school programme to enhance relationships, promote positive behaviour, and reduce teacher stress in a secondary school. The programme was facilitated by the school's educational psychologist (EP) drawing on psychological theory and practice across a range of paradigms (ecosystemic, cognitive,…

This two-part study investigated how educational psychologists (EPs) might support schools working with young people (YP) with eating disorders (EDs). Part one explored the current support in UK schools for secondary-aged pupils with EDs, and the areas that parents (n52) and school staff (n39) felt needed further development, using online…

Growth mindset interventions, initially based on evidence from experimental studies, are widely used in schools internationally. This systematic literature review focuses on the use of growth mindset in primary schools, whether as a bespoke intervention or as an embedded cultural practice, to examine how the approach is operationalised. Six data…

Selective mutism (SM) is typically identified in early childhood and is characterised by a lack of speech in specific social situations, usually at school. This study interviewed 11 teachers and used qualitative methods to develop an explanatory framework to represent the lived experience of teaching pupils with SM. Interviews were analysed using…

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has evolved a considerable evidence-base in recent years. One area wherein the model has demonstrated strong empirical support is through its application within the workplace. However, little empirical work has been carried out within the educational workforce and even less has been done with school leaders…

This UK study aimed to elicit parental voices and school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) views, to work towards a better understanding of sex-specific symptomology in females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and identify the special educational needs of these girls. SENCos in a small local authority (LA) were sent questionnaires…

When determining whether or not children have a difficulty in learning, the quality of instruction they have received during their school career must be excluded as a possible explanation for their lack of progress. To this end, educational psychologists (EPs) have for some time adopted a model of response to intervention known as…

This research paper summarises the findings of a small-scale study that explored the experiences of emotional literacy support assistants (ELSAs) and the children with whom they work. Eight ELSAs and seven children were interviewed and a thematic analysis of the transcripts elicited key themes. The findings indicated that the ELSA-child…

To ensure improved educational outcomes for children and young people, it is essential that teachers adapt and change their teaching practice in accordance with new and emerging pedagogies and techniques. Despite its importance, many teachers find changing their practice a challenge, and this study sought to determine the factors that contribute…