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Loneliness in childhood and adolescence is currently measured using questionnaires and checklists. The most used questionnaires for youth are psychometrically limited, partly due to the absence of the young person's voice from the measurement development process. Given this gap in the literature, the current study explored primary-school aged children's understanding and experiences of loneliness, providing new information about the experience of loneliness in childhood to better inform conceptualisation and measurement of loneliness in children. Interviews took place during the COVID pandemic and were conducted with six Year 4 and 5 children (aged 8-10 years) and analysed using hybrid thematic analysis. Findings fit with existing conceptualisations of social and emotional loneliness and provide novel perspectives on solutions, the importance of play, and children's perceptions of the adult experience. Directions for future research, and the impact after COVID are discussed.

There is a growth in the use of robotic telepresence technology, allowing users to remotely access an environment, to support the inclusion/attendance of school pupils experiencing physical/emotional difficulties in the UK. Educational psychologists (EPs) are likely to encounter robotic telepresence technology due to their role in supporting pupil inclusion. Despite the Department for Education exploring this technology as a form of alternative provision, there is a lack of research exploring perceptions around robotic telepresence technology. The current review explores perspectives of users. Database searches were conducted between July 2021 and September 2021, identifying studies published within the last ten years. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. The review identified four inductive themes: potential for robotic telepresence technology to promote inclusion; potential for robotic telepresence technology to facilitate engagement; technical design factors influencing utility; and acceptability of robotic telepresence technology to users. Findings are discussed alongside implications for educational psychologists/future research.

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.

Transitioning to adulthood presents particular difficulties for young people on the autistic spectrum. This review looks at the views of key stakeholders regarding the transition to adulthood and associated support, within the UK. Four databases were searched and of the 564 initial results, nine papers met the inclusion criteria. A framework synthesis approach was taken, using the biopsychosocial ecological model (Kranzler et al., 2020) (School Psychology, 35, 2020 and 419) to map the experiences of individuals on the autistic spectrum, their families and professionals. Data analysis was conducted deductively with findings highlighting the challenging experiences young people and their families face and systemic barriers to accessing and providing support. Facilitative factors are identified, indicating a need for more inter-agency collaboration, inclusivity and individualisation of support. There was substantial interaction between the systems surrounding the child, indicating a complex and multi-faceted impact on experience. Further support is provided for the applicability of ecosystemic models to the study of autism. Key policy suggestions and gaps in the research base are considered.

Schools are expected to hold an increasingly central role in co-ordinating support for children with mental health needs. However, the role that schools hold in supporting pupils with selective mutism (SM) is complex. Through a Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS), this review explores the multidimensional role which educational settings hold in supporting children with SM. Key databases were searched (PsycInfo, British Education Index, Education Resources Information Center, British Library EThOS and Google Scholar) and a conceptual map, informed by experienced practitioners, guided additional purposive searching with a focus on conceptual saturation. A total of twenty-four papers were identified following a further process of appraisal. Reciprocal Translational Analysis (RTA) found that schools hold a tripartite role in supporting children with SM: this incorporated developing a shared understanding of the disorder, engaging in effective (and often multi-professional) planning, and offering direct support through adapting provision and facilitating individual intervention. Through realising this role, schools and educational settings might transform the support currently available for children and young people with SM. Implications for practice, policy and future research also emerged. This included a clear need for enhanced teacher understanding of SM, arguably at the level of initial teacher training (ITT).

Aims: The current review provides an overview of the international research relating to the lived high school (ages 11-16) experiences of gender-diverse young people. Method: Web and database searches were conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 to identify 12 studies which included direct, first-hand testimonial experiences relating to high school. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis. Findings: The findings indicate that gender-diverse youth experience a range of both negative and affirming experiences throughout high school linked to key themes including cisnormativity, language, identity, relationships and transphobia. Limitations: Not all database searches proved productive, therefore hand searches, reference harvesting and grey literature searches were also conducted. However, given the variability in terminology within this field, there is the possibility that not all relevant literature may have been captured through this process. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in relation to inclusive practices which schools may adopt to support their gender-diverse students. Strategies include: the avoidance of accommodating approaches to inclusion; adopting rights respecting principles; embedding safe and supportive spaces for self-determination; and providing further training for educators. The paper also discusses implications for professional practice.

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.

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.

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.

Research into the school experiences of autistic adolescents tends to utilise predominantly male samples, effectively neglecting the views of autistic girls. This study explores the perspectives of three autistic girls attending a mainstream secondary school recognised for its good autism practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the girls, their mothers and a therapeutic member of staff at the school. Findings highlight the unique experiences of secondary school and common challenges including anxiety resulting from sensory issues and inconsistencies in staff understanding of individual need. Implications for practice include ensuring effective sharing of information about individual needs and specialised support for developing social skills, to enable autistic girls to navigate the complexity of female friendships during adolescence.

Aim: There is a growing evidence-base for the effectiveness of Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) in enhancing communication within relationships. Existing meta-analyses and systematic reviews include VIG within wider evaluations of similar interventions. This paper reviews the use of VIG within families, with a focus on its longer-term effectiveness. Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) was structured using PRISMA. It evaluated studies' methodological quality, appropriateness and relevance of focus, as well as reported outcomes. Findings: The SLR identified nine high- or medium-quality studies, of which six included follow-up measures. The review found that there is emerging evidence of positive outcomes being maintained beyond families' final shared reviews. Increased attunement and attachment in parent-child relationships were reported up to 20 months post-intervention. Limitations: Most studies used very small samples. Studies also varied in their descriptions of how VIG was carried out, potentially compromising intervention fidelity. Twenty-two outcome measures were used across nine studies, highlighting the need for more homogeneity in the conceptualisation and measurement of outcomes. Inconsistency in samples, outcomes measures and time points for data collection means that conclusions drawn from this review are done so tentatively. Conclusions: Increased attunement and attachment were reported consistently across a range of samples, indicating support for the proposed mechanisms for the effectiveness of VIG. However, long-term effectiveness studies are needed to demonstrate maintenance of these effects.

Small-group interventions are often used in schools to support the development of children's social skills. One such intervention, Lego®-Based Therapy (LBT), is increasingly popular internationally in schools. Although LBT has an emerging evidence-base, there is limited research exploring effective LBT implementation. An in-depth, exploratory multiple-case study design was used to explore the process of LBT assimilation in two English mainstream primary schools which were considered to have implemented LBT effectively and reported positive programme outcomes. Data collection was through structured observations and semi-structured interviews based upon Durlak and DuPre's (2008) established implementation framework. Transcripts were subjected to Hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes which were triangulated with observation data. The data largely correlated with the Durlak and DuPre (2008) framework, identifying ley themes of: provider characteristics, characteristics of the intervention, organisational capacity and the need for a support system when implementing the intervention. Themes of facilitator factors and participant responsiveness emerged inductively, suggesting that a revised model of implementation is required for LBT. Recommendations include calling for EPs to use models of implementation when working with schools, as a cyclical, iterative process to promote positive outcomes and, therefore, cost-effectiveness of school investment in interventions. Limitations and future research are discussed.

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.

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.

Mainstream primary and elementary schools are increasingly involved in delivering small group social skill interventions for pupils with special needs, particularly in the light of the evidence indicating the impact of social skill competency on later life outcomes. Despite significant investment by schools in training and resources to implement these interventions, very little is currently understood about the characteristics of effective small group social skill interventions for the five to eleven age phase. The purpose of the current review was to provide a preliminary overview of the characteristics of such interventions. Searches of four key databases were conducted between September 2017 and January 2018. Eleven studies met criteria for inclusion. The review found that the area is at an early stage of development with a lack of clarity in conceptualising, measuring and judging effectiveness of small group social skill interventions for the primary age phase. Implications for future evaluative research methods are discussed, including a need for collaboration between schools and researchers to develop iterative, implementation-based evaluative studies of small group social skill interventions.

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]

School can be challenging for autistic girls who are at risk of internalised anxiety which can ultimately lead to school avoidance. Low attendance is acknowledged as negatively impacting educational attainment and exacerbating mental health difficulties. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three autistic girls aged 13–15 years from different high schools, their parent(s) and key adult. Thematic analysis identified the first phase of re-engagement is developing a trusting student–key adult relationship. This provides the foundation for social and emotional intervention. Challenges were also acknowledged and possible improvements reflected upon. These results will aid educators and researchers aiming to support the successful inclusion of autistic girls at risk of experiencing emotionally based school avoidance in mainstream high schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools are increasingly encouraged to adopt evidence‐based or evidence informed interventions and implement them using insights from implementation science. The literature relating to implementation of interventions in schools has focused largely on universal interventions, particularly for social and emotional learning (SEL), which are designed for all children and young people. In contrast, targeted interventions provide additional support for those pupils who may require small group or individual support over and above that provided at the universal level. To date there has been limited consideration of factors which are important for the implementation of targeted SEL interventions. Data from an exploratory case study with two schools implementing Lego therapy are used to illustrate the implementation factors relevant to this targeted intervention. Findings indicate similarities in universal and targeted intervention core components and factors but also a number of distinct elements that are important to consider when implementing Lego therapy and potentially other targeted SEL interventions. Key considerations include the interaction with the wider school system, the pivotal role of the intervention champion, and the importance of external support for problem solving and sustainability. The resulting model may inform further development of implementation frameworks for Lego therapy and other targeted SEL interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current review is to provide an overview of research relating to the school experiences of autistic females throughout childhood and adolescence. Web and database searches were conducted between December 2017 and April 2018 to identify studies exploring school experiences of autistic females. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and the data were analysed using a framework synthesis methodology, where a conceptual framework of general autistic experiences in education was used to map study findings onto. Key themes were identified, highlighting similarities between autistic girls and boys in several areas, including sensory issues and difficulties with peer relationships. Noteworthy differences included contrasting perspectives between staff and parents in relation to the girls' experiences, as well as the greater tendency for girls to mask their difficulties. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of professional practice and directions for further research.

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.

Extended school nonattendance has been identified across previous literature as problematic for autistic pupils and prevalence rates are considerably higher for this cohort than their neurotypical peers. The neurodiversity paradigm calls for a shift towards qualitative and participatory research methodologies, which was identified as a suitable approach for the current study to understand autistic young people's lived experiences. This participatory inquiry adopted a flexible and reflective approach with two autistic adolescents who had extended school nonattendance and aimed to explore how Kas and Z experienced this and described effective support to meet their needs. Adolescents' perspectives were supported by three parental viewpoints. The participatory design allowed participants to identify key themes of effective support: a nuanced relationship with time; internal processes of control and motivation; relationships and safe environments; perspectives around their diagnosis of autism. A thematic map was developed to highlight the interaction between adolescents' perspectives and parental viewpoints and the superordinate, researcher‐identified theme of Understanding and Acceptance of Individual Lived Experience of Autism. The methodology and themes suggest considerations for professionals to develop practice to support autistic pupils who experience extended school nonattendance. Implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Government legislation and research literature highlight the importance of the participation of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in planning for their transition to adulthood. However, effective processes which enable their participation are under-researched. In this study, nine teaching staff from two specialist schools in the north-west of England were interviewed and a transition meeting was observed in one school to explore these processes. Analyses indicate that in both schools, enabling the participation of young people with ASD in the planning for their transition to adulthood involves three phases and is underpinned by a person-centred ethos. Although the processes were perceived to be effective, the participation of pupils varied between schools. Final decisions still tend to be made by schools and the local authority due to limited external resources. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Recent systematic reviews have found that the participation of adolescents and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within research is limited despite an increasing international recognition of the importance of incorporating the views of all children and young people on matters that affect their lives. The purpose of this current systematic review was to explore the mechanisms, processes and perceived effectiveness of the methods used to elicit the views of young people with ASD about their educational experiences within qualitative research studies. Databases such as Applied Social Science Index and Abstract, web of knowledge, PsychInfo and web pages were searched for relevant studies between November 2015 and January 2016. Twelve identified studies were then screened using a trialled evaluation checklist and synthesised using the PRISMA guidelines. The current review identified data collection methods that were perceived to be useful in eliciting the views of young people with ASD about their educational experiences. Limitations such as the over-representation of participants who were able to engage in verbal discussion and the lack of detailed description of data collection and evaluation were also identified. Practical and research implications are also discussed.

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.

The AV1 robotic device has a growing evidence base, both internationally and in the UK, for supporting pupils with physical/emotional health needs. The device allows pupils to access their school lessons remotely through telepresence technology. Previous papers have highlighted the growing relevance to the education field, although, to date, there is no published UK academic research. In consideration of this, the purpose of the present paper was to explore the views of school staff who have trialled the AV1 device in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were held with 10 staff members from different school settings before data were analysed thematically. Key themes related to potential for impact, opportunities/challenges, and wider socio-economic considerations. Implications are considered in relation to (1) future research and professional practice, and (2) the introduction of a proposed implementation framework to support practitioners when trialling the AV1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Government guidance in the UK, improving attendance is everyone's business. This article sets out the work of one local authority to develop their own multi‐agency approach to reduce rates of emotionally based school non‐attendance. The Research and Development in Organisations model provided a structure for the action research process, which consisted of cycles of action and reflection, including awareness raising, reflections on current practice, and the integration of stakeholder views, resulting in an organisational culture shift and the production of professional guidance materials. Content analysis suggests that the development of a localised approach required time, with multi‐agency collaboration to promote shared ownership of the products and processes across all stakeholders and to enhance uptake of positive changes to practice. Factors that facilitated the process included response to local need, multi‐agency collaboration and positive feedback, while diminished capacity and misconceptions about roles and responsibilities in monitoring and improving attendance were barriers to change. The findings provide further evidence for the role of multi‐agency working in the development of strategic support for school attendance difficulties to promote organisational change. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches to better inform future support at an organisational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diverse needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have led to a continuum of educational provision being promoted in many countries, and which is often developed at a local level. The majority of children and young people with ASD in the UK attend mainstream schools, and resourced mainstream schools are increasingly part of this continuum of provision. These schools offer additional environmental modifications and adult support over and above that normally provided by mainstream schools. How parents and pupils perceive such provisions has not previously been investigated. The current study was designed to explore the perceptions of parents and pupils in five primary and three secondary resource provision schools in one Local Authority during the pupils' first year at the provisions. A series of interviews took place with 16 parents and 9 pupils during this initial year. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecosystemic theory was used to conceptualise and organise the complex interactions between home, local education systems, school systems and sub-systems, and their impact on pupil outcomes over time. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to theory and practice.

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.

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.

Similar to other professional disciplines, the importance of supervision within school psychology has attracted considerable attention within recent years. Despite this, systematic review of current literature reveals a dearth of empirical literature proposing underlying theoretical structures. This study extends recent qualitative research by surveying 310 school psychology students undertaking a preparatory doctoral training programme within the 12 approved universities in England and Wales. Data were obtained from a 21-item closed questionnaire developed from previous empirical findings and subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis. Findings reveal three key supervisory components: Safe space for authentic learning, instructional support, and reference points for professional learning. Comparisons with other theoretical models are made and implications for practice explored. A framework for professional practice, based on key findings and other important theoretical developments, is proposed.

Systematic literature reviews can play a key role in underpinning evidence-based practice. To date, large-scale reviews of interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have focused primarily on research quality. To assist practitioners, the current review adopted a broader framework which allowed for greater consideration of educational utility. Between July and August 2013, 20 databases were searched, alongside web searches and hand searches, to identify ASD intervention studies published between 2008 and 2013. This search yielded 6,232 articles and the subsequent screening and evaluation process identified 85 best evidence studies. Studies were grouped into categories and individual interventions were assessed and classified as providing most; moderate; some; or a small amount of evidence. Interventions with most evidence tended to focus on younger children and core difficulties associated with ASD. Emerging trends, such as increasing evidence for technology-based interventions and peer-mediated interventions, were identified. An encouraging finding for practitioners is that in 59% of the studies, interventions were undertaken with or by school staff. Implications for school psychology practice as well as factors to consider when selecting educational interventions are discussed.

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.

There is an increasing interest in the role of peers in facilitating the social interaction skills of pupils with autism spectrum disorder through peer-mediated interventions (PMI). Several reviews provide promising evidence for the effectiveness of this approach; however, there has been limited consideration of the range of outcome foci and methods used to evaluate PMI. The purpose of the current review is to provide an overview of methods used to evaluate the impact of PMI and illuminate key examples of innovative practice. Database and web searches were conducted between July and August 2015 to identify PMI studies published between 2000 and 2015. Ten studies met criteria for inclusion. The review found that although measuring the outcome of PMI at the level of target pupils has been a focus, less attention has been given to exploring the experiences of participants; the impact on peers and the extent to which PMI can truly be implemented within an educational context. Implications for future methods of evaluating PMI are discussed.

The majority of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder are educated in mainstream schools. The diverse needs of this group of pupils has led to a continuum of provision being promoted in the UK and other countries, and developed at a local level. This continuum includes mainstream schools with resource provision which can offer enhanced physical and staffing resources beyond those normally provided in mainstream schools. How teaching staff perceive such provisions and their development over time have not previously been investigated. The current study was designed to explore the perceptions of staff working in five primary and three secondary school resource provisions in one local authority throughout the first year of the provisions and at three-year follow-up.Sixty-six interviews with senior teachers, mainstream teachers and resource provision staff took place during the initial year, with 21 three-year follow-up interviews. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Data provide tentative support for Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecosystemic theory as a framework for representing the complex interactions within the resource provision schools, between systems and their development over time. Findings and implications are discussed in relation to theory and practice.

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.