A changing format to suit a changing context:

The National Action Enquiry Programme for Educational Psychologists (EPs) has evolved, in consultation with EPs, to suit the current context of our society andthe needs of the profession and education system. EPs can now be involved in the programme in 2 distinct ways:

1. Think Piece:

The function of a think piece is to serve as a stimulus for raising awareness and addressing systemic changes in relation to current issues arising. The think pieces from this programme will be themed around current issues within the education context or the current reforms and reviews, with a focus on the psychology around these issues/ themes. The purpose will be to ensure the psychology around inclusion, children/young people with ASNs, their families, schools and communities are at the centre of national discussions. These will be short-term pieces of work, taking around 3-6 months to complete.

2. Research

One of the five core functions of EPs in Scotland is research. Therefore EPs will be able to work alongside link editors from the National Action Enquiry Programme for EPs to develop and support this research role. The topics of research will be bespoke to each submission but must be relevant and accessible to the educational psychology profession, educationalists including class teachers, early years practitioners, school senior leaders and partners such as youth workers. This research can be carried out across different Educational Psychology Services in Scotland or be based within one Educational Psychology Service. These will be longer term pieces of work, taking around 12 -24 months to complete.

Why is this needed?

The need for an evidence informed approach is promoted and supported by OECD reports, Education Endowment Fund and other key national education documents and guidance. Educational psychologists are well placed to inform this research base to benefit Scotland’s children and young people, as they work at all levels of system.  They work with individual children, families, schools and local authorities.

The initial call for proposals was in July 2023 and this was sent out via the Association of Scottish Principal Educational Psychologists (ASPEP) and Scottish Division of Educational Psychology (SDEP).

Impact so far?

Five proposals have been received with various timescales and all have been allocated link editors. This page will provide updates on the progress of submissions.

Several other Educational Psychology Services and EPs have indicated interest in being involved in the future. Therefore another call for papers and submissions will be put out in early 2024.

Think Pieces:

• Attendance: the next pandemic? The psychology of school attendance - published November 2023 (PDF)
  Scottish Division of Educational Psychology have a working group looking at the psychology of school attendance and emotional based school avoidance. A small subgroup came together to develop this think piece. It draws out relevant, thought-provoking questions from practitioners heavily involved in this area and using research to inform their actions

• Staff wellbeing

Research currently being undertaken:

• Children’s meetings
• Flexible/ part-time timetables
• Suicide and self-harm prevention