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The Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) literature has seen rapid growth in recent years. Expanding on its use with families, educational psychologists (EPs) are one of many professions that have trained in VIG. A relationship-based intervention which focuses on strengths and communication, VIG in schools seems appropriate, although the research-base is developing. This scoping review explores how VIG has been applied in education settings. By employing a systematic search of key databases and grey literature, 14 papers met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that VIG has been applied in education settings with various clients and with a focus on staff development, pupils' skills, and relationships. VIG can be used alongside another intervention or assessment, although the VIG related outcomes can be challenging to measure. EPs are well placed to support schools to invest in evidence-based interventions; therefore, implications for practice and recommendations for further research are suggested.

Aim: There is a growing evidence-base for the effectiveness of Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) in enhancing communication within relationships. However, its longer-term outcomes are unclear. This paper explores practitioners' views and experiences in relation to VIG's longer-term outcomes. Method: Findings from studies that evaluate VIG's effectiveness were discussed in a focus group of 11 VIG practitioners in the context of their views and experiences. Key concepts were identified through thematic analysis and used to devise a questionnaire, which was completed by 26 VIG-trained Educational Psychologists (EPs); responses were categorised using content analysis. Findings: Practitioners propose several factors that might contribute to maintenance or decay of outcomes. Findings suggest there is variation in practice relating to longer-term outcomes. Opportunities for development are discussed in relation to research, training and practice. Limitations: The main phase of this research focused on VIG practice in educational psychology, potentially limiting transferability to other contexts. Conclusions: A model is proposed for the delivery of VIG, based on EP practitioners' suggestions for enhancing maintenance of outcomes beyond the end of the intervention. Implications for training and research are also discussed.

Aims: Research into the nature of educational psychologist (EP) practice when supporting autistic, gender-diverse children and young people (CYP) is within its infancy. This study explores the experiences and practices of five EPs with applied knowledge of work in this emerging area. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and a reflexive thematic analysis carried out to develop themes. Findings: Findings highlight distinct areas of practice and challenges faced by participants. In particular, this study highlights the uncertainty and complexity of work in this area with a specific focus upon the intersectionality of autism and gender diversity. The nature of direct work with CYP and support for inclusive schooling practices are also explored alongside current gaps in educational psychology practice in this area. Limitations: Given the aim of this study to provide an exploratory entry point into the practices of EPs working with this population of young people, the researchers did not aim for representativeness. Therefore, subjective participant experiences cannot be assumed to reflect those of all EPs with applied knowledge in this area. Conclusions: Implications for research and practice are discussed including the development of resources and guidance within educational psychology services to support practitioners in their work in this area. A discussion of the need for EPs to utilise their knowledge of intersectionality when working with the uncertainty of dual identity casework is provided alongside reflections about the nature of EP work in supporting schools to further develop their inclusive practices.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) remains a significant concern in the English context with a broad professional research base expanding at pace in response to serious case reviews and government inquiries into historical sexual abuse. Whilst educational psychologists (EPs) have an established role in child protection and safeguarding, the work they do in relation to CSE is underexplored. Through in-depth qualitative interviews with three educational psychology professionals, this study aims to stimulate reflection and contribute to the knowledge base which guides EPs' practice when responding to sexual exploitation. Professional responses which adopt a "vulnerability management" approach are problematised and an exploration of the role of the EP within a contextual safeguarding framework is suggested.

Through a Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS), this systematic literature review explores the role of the Educational Psychologist (EP) in relation to child protection and safeguarding as it has been conceptualised within the research base over time. Key databases were searched and a conceptual map, informed by experienced EPs, guided further purposive searching with a focus on conceptual saturation. 24 papers across multiple areas of child protection and safeguarding work were included. Drawing on wider debates, it is suggested that changing legislative and socio-political climates have resulted in a shift within the research base from 'thinking about doing' towards 'thinking about thinking', where a safeguarding agenda is prioritised and there is less focus on child protection. Implications for EPs' practice with children and families are considered, and further opportunities for research suggested.

Although evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been identified in recent systematic literature reviews, the extent to which the practice of educational psychologists (EPs) in the UK and Ireland is informed by these is unknown. This study presents the results of a questionnaire that surveyed 146 EP practitioners in the UK and Ireland about their use of 31 EBIs for ASD. This survey also explored the factors that influence EP practitioners' decision-making when planning interventions for students with ASD. Of the 31 EBIs, EP practitioners were most often involved with implementing visual supports, social stories, reinforcement, modelling, antecedent-based interventions, prompting, and social skills training. The most salient factors that influenced EP practitioners' decision-making when planning interventions for students with ASD included the student's individual needs and factors related to the school context. Implications for EP practice are discussed in addition to the limitations of this study.

The most thoroughly researched topic in relation to autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) is the evaluation of interventions. Educational psychology in the United Kingdom and Ireland is the most closely allied profession to school psychology in the United States. In considering what is published by and for the profession, it is important to include all of those journals that are directly relevant to the profession including educational psychology journals. This review reports on the type, focus, and quality of school-based ASD intervention research reported in school and educational psychology journals between 2005 and 2015. Twelve evaluation studies are reported, which evaluated 10 discrete interventions and two commercial packages. These interventions targeted academic, social, communication, and behavioral outcomes. Implications for the practice of school psychologists are discussed including the application of research to the idiographic nature of the work of school psychologists.

Supporting pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools is a challenging task. This article proposes a professional development framework for educational psychologists (EPs) to consider when supporting the development of specialist ASD staff. The framework focuses on training content, educator characteristics and organisational elements. Nine mainstream schools developing additional provision to support children with ASD and specific language impairment (SLI) participated in the research. Specialist staff were provided with training and took part in follow up interviews about their developing practice. A pre- and post-questionnaire of participants (N = 30) attending the specialist training is supplemented with longitudinal interview data from specialist staff (N = 20). A paired sample t-test of questionnaire data showed that staff self-efficacy significantly increased pre- to post-training with a large effect size (0.61). Thematic analysis of interviews provided evidence of sustained professional development over time, underpinned by supportive organisational factors.

Research findings indicate that there appears to be a relationship between poor motor skills and self-esteem, however this relationship is ambiguous. This review examines the effects of poor motor skills on global and/or domain specific self-esteem. Four databases, Google Scholar and the Manchester Online library were searched for articles focusing on motor skills and self-esteem in children and adolescents. A date range of between January 2000 and July 2015 was specified to ensure sufficient overlap with the most recent meta-analysis. From the database searches, 26 potentially relevant studies were identified and from these 26, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. A synthesis of the studies reveals that there appears to be a relationship between motor skills and self-esteem, however this relationship is complex and likely to vary depending on age, gender and co-morbidity. Implications for educational psychology practice are discussed.

As part of initial professional training, educational psychologists in England undertake substantial periods of practice placement, within which the role of supervision is instrumental to their professional learning and effectiveness. The research reported here provides up-to-date and comprehensive information on the experiences and needs of trainee educational psychologists within practice placement. Focus group meetings were held with trainee educational psychologists from each year group at four English training universities. Through a rigorous process of thematic analysis, data from the 12 focus group meetings identified the valued processes and learning outcomes of practice placement in the context of a facilitative supervisory relationship and service context. The need to understand more fully the patterns and dynamics of trainee educational psychologists' practice placement experience is highlighted.

The current paper outlines a three-year action research project with 39 schools in one inner city local authority. A local need to improve provision for children with motor skills difficulties resulted in a team of educational psychologists (EPs) and specialist teachers developing the Manchester Motor Skills Intervention (MMSI), which is a flexible package of support for primary schools. Support provided ranged from staff training and resources aimed to improve universal provision through to motor skills groups for targeted children. A mixed method evaluation was undertaken which aimed to establish which aspects of the MMSI schools found most useful and whether the programme was sustainable. The evaluation involved interviews at the end of the two-year project and school provision audits one year after the project had ceased. Participants valued the contribution of the research team to the development of a targeted intervention programme and the provision of ongoing support, while evidence suggests that the whole-school element of the MMSI requires further development. Some barriers and facilitators to sustainability are identified and discussed. (Contains 5 tables.)

Children with motor difficulties are a very varied group. In order to target interventions more effectively researchers have attempted to identify specific sub-groups; however, attempts to identify sub-groups and provide interventions accordingly have met with limited success. Currently interventions can be classified into two main types, namely, general abilities and normative functional approaches. The current study outlines the Manchester Motor Skills Programme (MMSP), which adopts a normative functional approach and has been developed jointly by educational psychologists (EPs), specialist teachers and schools. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MMSP a quasi-experimental repeated measures study was undertaken involving 24 children. The quasi-experimental study yielded a medium effect size, which is a promising result for a naturalistic intervention. Methodological limitations and areas of future research are considered and identified. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)

Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is a relationship-based, strengths focused intervention based on theories of intersubjectivity and attachment. Originally developed within family work, the evidence investigating the application of VIG within different relationships and settings is growing. Educational psychologists (EPs) are amongst practitioners who are electing to train in VIG and apply it in practice. This study sought to investigate how a VIG model of delivery has been developed within one educational psychology service (EPS). A case study design was implemented in which seven members of the EP team, all of whom are VIG trained, were interviewed and the data were thematically analysed. Findings illustrate the participants' perceptions of factors and the infrastructure that have influenced the development of a VIG model of delivery at the service level, and which factors have sustained it over time. Implications for EP services, EP practice, and future research are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance difficulties have become an increasing concern for governments and schools internationally. Given that attendance difficulties are often underpinned by psychological and contextual factors, educational psychologists (EPs) are ideally placed to support schools to develop coordinated and informed responses to these difficulties. This systematic literature review investigates the characteristics of systemic school-based approaches for students experiencing attendance difficulties. Eight databases were searched between September 2020 and March 2021, with 12 papers included in the final investigative review. Systemic approaches facilitated by schools were characterised by proactive systems, a supportive school ethos, personalised intervention, and collaboration with families. Interventions informed by these characteristics showed promising outcomes relating to increased student attendance and engagement, however further research is needed. Implications for educational psychology and school practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 of parents, school staff, and educational psychologists were gathered using semi-structured interviews to identify effective support. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes. Findings demonstrate that the support in each case was highly individualised. Key facilitators considered to achieve this included: effective home-school communication; taking a functional approach; engaging other professional support; cultivating positive relationships; and practitioners regularly reflecting on their practice. The significant overlap between themes supports an interactionist, ecological model of early identification and intervention for EBSNA difficulties. Implications for practitioners include the need to ensure a reflective, individualised approach, and the importance of facilitating the home-school relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This small‐scale research project explored the perceived impact which selective mutism (SM) training, delivered by an educational psychologist (EP), had on school practitioners' understanding of the condition and their subsequent professional practice. Three teachers were interviewed and a thematic analysis elicited four superordinate themes. Participants recognised that they had little previous knowledge of SM and many misconceptions; they also identified key ways in which their understanding of SM, and their practice as school professionals, had developed. In addition, staff highlighted central challenges which nevertheless remained, one of which involved working with parents. This research highlights the limited knowledge which teachers have of SM, whilst demonstrating how staff training and school development might contribute to improved outcomes for children with the condition. Implications for teacher training programmes and future research are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 bases were searched between August 2018 and February 2019, resulting in 131 papers, ten of which were included for methodological quality and appropriateness of focus. Findings indicate that research in this area is generally small scale and a mixture of process and outcome evaluations of whole school and targeted interventions. This review found that growth mindset has been applied across a range of subject areas and as a whole school and classroom intervention. More rigorous implementation and outcome studies are needed in this emerging field. Implications for educational psychology and school practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an exploratory product evaluation of the Manchester Motor Skills Programme (MMSP). A mixed methodology was used to explore intended, unintended, positive and negative outcomes for four Key Stage 2 (KS2) children with motor skills difficulties who participated in the MMSP. The children’s motor skills, social skills and self-esteem were assessed using standardised measures pre- and post-intervention and at follow-up. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were used to elicit the views of pupils, the class teacher and the group leader. Results indicated positive yet variable improvements in motor skill domains which were sustained at three month follow-up. Qualitative data highlights some perceived improvement in children’s social skills, confidence and use of meta-cognitive strategies and an unexpected perceived outcome for one child with co-existing speech and language difficulties. The responses of this group highlight some individual factors which practitioner educational psychologists (EPs) should consider when planning motor skills interventions with schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores factors that influence decisions about transition and what works for children with Down’s syndrome transferring from primary to secondary school. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews to gain the views of support staff and parents of two children with Down’s syndrome. One parent had chosen mainstream secondary school and was negotiating the transition, whilst the other was making decisions around future placement. The Voice of the Child (VoC) was elicited using rating scales. Thematic analysis revealed practical and ideological insights into transition, highlighting the need for parental involvement, planned transition and recognition of the individual needs of the child. The educational and social implications of these findings are considered along with directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]