The focus of this volume is on reflective practice. It presents a literature review relating to reflective practice and its development and an account of a research and development initiative aimed at promoting the development of reflective practice in Children‟s Centres. The Introductory Chapter provides an overview of the structure and contents of the volume as well as an explanation of the context in which the research study was completed and an account of the influence of a social constructivist perspective and empowerment research on the position of the researcher and the focus of the study. It also provides details regarding the completed and proposed dissemination of findings for a variety of audiences. Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature in relation to five broad questions but with a particular focus on the role of the Educational Psychologist in supporting organisational development through developing reflective practice. Literature regarding reflective practice is reviewed and used to inform the development of the focus for the research study which is presented in Chapter 3. The study involved the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention aimed at supporting the reflective practice of practitioners in two Children‟s Centres. Realistic Evaluation principles were used to inform the design of the evaluation which measured the impact of the intervention through gathering the practitioners‟ perspectives. Implications for the role of Educational Psychologists in supporting reflective practice are also highlighted and discussed within Chapter 4.

The thesis explores how schools cope psychologically with a Critical Incident, from the perspectives of the school decision-makers. It examines support strategies in the short, medium and long-term and at a whole-school, group and individual level. The process of support is considered in terms of its contribution to normalisation. The exploration makes particular reference to decision-making factors for schools regarding outside support post-Critical Incident, especially that which is available from a Local Authority Critical Incident Response Team (C.I.R.T.). Eleven schools participated, creating two data sets balanced between those requesting C.I.R.T. support and these that did not. Decision-makers, most of whom were head teachers, were interviewed and subsequently the resultant data was scrutinised through the process of thematic analysis from an interpretivist perspective. Overall the themes revealed that schools coped psychologically through a pastoral response targeted for both staff, young people and families, leading to reduced stress and whole-school normalisation. There are systemic limitations and pressures, however schools which requested external support through C.I.R.T. reported useful outcomes, particularly a strengthened staff and an enhanced sense of preparedness. Decision-making regarding external support is influenced by the initial impact of the C.l. (Critical Incident), circumstantial factors and situational need whereby schools assess their own capacity to cope. The thesis concludes that schools are generally able to cope effectively psychologically post-C.I., however some decision-makers do request support from C.I.R.T., which schools perceive as being beneficial.

This thesis examines the relationship between headteachers and chairs of school governing bodies in Wales, exploring lay involvement in the governance of education. One main rationale for the thesis was the recognition that school governors constitute the biggest group of volunteers in the UK (400,000), 26,000 in Wales and are, theoretically, at least, a potentially powerful group. There have however been few studies on school governors. A multi-methodological approach was taken. Schools were initially selected in nine Welsh LEAs with three schools in three LEAs forming the case studies. Data revealed the key relationship between headteachers and governor chairs, the most notable tension between the ‘insider’ identity of the headteacher, and the ‘outsider’ identity of the chair. Governors, and chairs in particular however, tended to be professionals themselves, their ‘habitus’ inclining them to act in accordance with the values of headteachers, the two speaking the same ‘language’. Tensions between the chair’s community leadership role and the head’s professional position were also identifiable, although these were often offset by the chair’s relative insider identity, potentially muting the challenge to school practice. The study is located within a history of governors and schooling as governance. Michel Foucault, Basil Bernstein and Pierre Bourdieu provide a theoretical framework, giving rise to the following questions: What discourses are valued in school governing bodies and head/chair relationship? What are the effects of the coding of knowledge and discourse in the professional / lay interface? How are social dispositions of governors’ influential in how they conduct their role – and what are the political implications of this. Ultimately, the research addresses the question concerning the extent that governors can be agents for democratic participation in the context of local politics and national systems.

In recent years, there have been calls for an increase in our understanding of the mental health needs of young people who have been excluded from school and therefore attend Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) (Centre for Social Justice, 2011; Mental Health Foundation, 2002; National Children’s Bureau, 2011). Evidence suggests that disruptive behaviour (DB) and depressive symptoms (DS) are closely linked. Previous research suggests that DB is a risk factor for DS, and vice-versa. Due to the likelihood of high levels of DB in young people excluded from school, the aim of this thesis was to examine the relationship between DB and DS in a PRU sample. Results showed a significant correlation between DB and DS; this was stronger than the correlation between DB and anxiety. Furthermore, the presence of negative self-concept increased the influence of DB on DS and of DS on DB. It seems that there is a mutual relationship between DS and DB, in part explained by the presence of a negative self-concept. Surprisingly, no association was established between DB, DS and academic attainment. The findings have implications for research and professional practice. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of affective difficulties, such as DS, in disruptive pupils.

Developing an ability to understand and use metaphor is essential for successful language learning. While teachers/researchers have examined the effects of metaphor training in language classrooms, they have rarely embedded the instruction into a four skills language curriculum. To fill this gap, this study explores the effectiveness of metaphor instruction in developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for both EFL and ESL learners. During this two-part study, the pre-test and post-test scores of an experimental group of 11 EFL students who received metaphor and metonymy instruction in the four skills were compared with a control group of 10 EFL students. Next, the test scores of two experimental groups of 11-12 ESL students who received metaphor and metonymy instruction in either reading and writing or listening and speaking were compared with two control groups of 12 ESL students. The thesis finds that explicit metaphor instruction can lead to modest improvements for some aspects of metaphor use. However, as different task types, genres, and topics were found to require different types and amounts of metaphor and metonymy use, the thesis also finds that it is essential to consider the nature of the communicative task when developing metaphor instruction.

This thesis explores students’ experiences in higher education in England in the early 21st century. It uses a longitudinal perspective, drawing upon data from semi structured interviews with undergraduates as they progressed from transition to graduation. The thesis argues that students enrol at university with learner identities shaped by different educational and social backgrounds. Once at university, students move through a process of acclimatisation during which they build upon particular capacities that enable them to succeed in higher education. These capacities help students to build robust undergraduate identities which allow them to exercise agency in their learning. However, as they do so, they carry with them varying degrees of risk and have to negotiate the disjuncture between expectation and reality in their undergraduate experiences. An understanding of the impact of risk and disjuncture has important implications in the rapidly changing world of higher education and these, alongside concepts of field, habitus, capital, and academic and social integration, help to explain undergraduate experiences in the rapidly changing political economy of higher education. Focusing on the particulars of individual experiences highlighted the significant investments individuals make in their studies and for whom the world of higher education can be an uncomfortable place.

This study investigates all graduate entry to nursing in England, focusing on the perceptions and experiences of nursing students and health professional educators at one English university. It presents a history of nurse education, debates the cases for and against the move to an all graduate entry, and introduces a conceptual framework based on the influences on, and expected outcomes of, the undergraduate nursing student. The study adopts a single-embedded case study design. Data was collected between October 2012 and September 2014 using questionnaires and focus groups. Statistical analysis and thematic analysis (using the framework devised by Braun and Clarke, 2006) were undertaken on the quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The undergraduate student nurses reflected a positive attitude towards nursing, seeing a therapeutic relationship and the values underpinning ‘compassion in practice’ as fundamental to the role of Registered Nurse (RN). They also demonstrated motivations that reflected these principles and, to some extent, recognised them in themselves. The importance of developing and demonstrating graduate attributes was acknowledged, but these were not seen to be as significant as the fundamental principles of what it means to be a nurse. The majority of health professional educators supported the move to an all graduate entry to nursing, with nurse educators being more in favour that their Allied Health Professional colleagues. There was also clear recognition that the role of the RN had changed and that RNs needed graduate attributes in order to manage the complexities of twenty-first century healthcare. Participants in this study saw the move to all graduate entry as welcome and necessary, although this view was not universal. Reasons students gave for pursuing a career in nursing reflected those identified in earlier studies. The students’ experiences in clinical practice were affected by the standards of care they observed, the quality of mentorship and by issues related to ‘belongingness’. The study highlights and contributes to the on-going debate surrounding the development of nursing as a profession, confirming that the ideals of altruism have not been lost in the development of academic processes and identity.

Despite serious attention given to talent management in schools over recent years, a leadership crisis remains (DfE, 2015). This study assists in closing the gap, outlining how schools can effectively identify, develop and sustain leadership potential. It builds on previous work, using a case study of five Birmingham primary schools, with interviews from Heads, Senior and Middle Leaders and documentary sources (Rhodes and Brundrett, 2006). Findings indicate a greater shift towards the inclusive but strategic nature of educational leadership talent than traditionally assumed (CIPD, 2007). Significantly, proficient teachers are indicators of potential leaders in primary schools (Gunter, 2005). An ability to influence, emotionally connect and demonstrate willingness are further indicative to the profile of high-potential leaders (Hay Group, 2008). Teacher-leader approaches – shadowing and co-coaching – are central to talent development. A morally-connected approach is crucial for leadership sustainment (Fullan, 2004). The study also reveals that, to avoid a perpetuation of leadership bias, long-term development must address the matter of disillusionment amongst experienced leaders. Evidence collated helped to refine common talent development interpretations and frameworks. The study provides a useful model for sustaining educational leadership. It also highlights implications and provides recommendations for policy-makers, academics and practitioners wishing to sustain leadership talent.

The reforms supporting children with special educational needs and disability have undergone significant changes with the introduction of a coordinated system which places parents and children at the heart of processes, with education, health and social care professionals working together to support the needs of children. There has been little focus within research in this area, that in relation to the role of Educational Psychologists (EPs) and on multiple perspectives of working together particularly that including children and their parents. The current two phased study therefore utilised a multiple case study design to explore the expectations and experiences of EPs, professionals from health, social care and education, parents and children on working together through the statutory assessment process under the Children and Families Act (2014) through the application of Activity Theory methodology. The findings suggest roles for EPs, parents and children and support and constraints of working together similar to that identified within literature with additional roles, supports and constraints identified as directly related to the process. Methods of enhancing working together through the process are suggested and the implications of the findings to the practice of EPs, professionals, parents, children and the Local Authority are discussed along with future research.

This research explores the effects of a group intervention aimed at reducing self-reported test anxiety with sixth form students preparing to sit AS / A Level examinations. Previous research has suggested that a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation skills training and study skills approaches are most effective in alleviating test anxiety and an intervention was designed combining these approaches. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured using a mixed methods design, with test anxiety measured pre and post-intervention using self-report questionnaires and two focus groups: the first in the pre-examination period and the second following the examinations. The results from the questionnaire showed that, after completing the intervention, participants’ test anxiety had been significantly reduced (p = <0.05), while the findings from the qualitative data suggested that participants felt that the intervention had skilled them with practical tools to reduce anxiety associated with high stakes testing. The findings suggest that the intervention is promising as a proactive approach in educational settings with pupils who have been identified as experiencing test anxiety. The implications of the research for the work of EPs are considered.