My name is Sophie Winter and I am a Trainee Educational Psychologist at the University of East London. As part of my training I am researching the current contribution of the Educational Psychologists to special schools which cater for children and young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties in England. I am interested in asking the professionals involved about their views in order to develop a better understanding of this area. The full title of the research project is:
Work to be done? Exploring the Current Contribution of Educational Psychologists to Special Schools which cater for Children and Young People with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
Why is this research being done?
There is an increasing number of children and young people entering special schools who have profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). In recent government papers, Educational Psychologists have been identified as having a role in supporting these students. I wish to find out more about the current contribution Educational Psychologists are making to special schools which cater for children and young people with PMLD from both Educational Psychologists as well as special school staff.
What does the study involve?
The research is taking place through an online survey via Smart Survey (smartsurvey.co.uk). This information letter and link has been distributed to the Principal Educational Psychologist (PEP) of both local authority educational psychology services (EPS) as well as private educational psychology services. In addition to this, it has also been sent to the Head Teacher of each PMLD special school. They have been asked to disseminate the letter and survey link to all of their staff members via email. Where this contact information has not been available, the link as been sent to the administrator for the appropriate EPS/special school.
The survey will only take 10 minutes to complete online.
Before agreeing to take part in the study, it is important that you are aware of the following:
Anonymity
The survey you complete cannot be accessed by anyone other than me as researcher and my supervisor. The survey will be completed anonymously and no names will be requested. This will ensure that no link is made to any institution.
The survey tool used adheres to the UK data protection laws and will be stored securely. The information will be analysed using a statistical software programme and stored in accordance with UEL data storage procedures for research.
You retain the right to withdraw from participation in the survey up until the point of data analysis. You can withdraw without any disadvantage to yourself and without giving an explanation. It is important to note that completion of this survey is entirely voluntary.
What if I would like to find out more about this study?
Please feel free to contact me (Sophie Winter) via email: u1430386@uel.ac.uk or my supervisor (Dr Helena Bunn) via email at h.bunn@uel.ac.uk
Thank you!