An appreciative inquiry into educational psychologists’ perceptions of their role when working with birth to two year olds

Page, Adele 2023. An appreciative inquiry into educational psychologists’ perceptions of their role when working with birth to two year olds. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The significance of the period between conception and the first two years of life on lifelong health, development and wellbeing has received growing attention. This period has been termed the first 1001 days. It is a period of rapid brain growth where early foundations for future development are considered to be laid. The environment in which infants are exposed during this period, has been demonstrated to have lasting influence. Educational Psychologists (EPs) have a role in supporting the psychological development and emotional wellbeing of children and young people from ages birth to twenty five years (WG, 2016a, 2018; DfE,2023). Despite this, there is limited literature exploring EP practice within the first 1001 days specifically. Therefore, this research aimed to contribute to the knowledge base within this area, to inform future practice. The current research was conducted to gain EPs’ perspectives of their role when working with birth to two year olds. Five EPs, across five different Local Authorities in Wales, engaged in semi-structured interviews utilising an Appreciative Inquiry framework. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis where five overarching themes were identified: Relationships are the foundation; Building capacity for work with infants; "We can push the boundaries": Settings and beyond; It's a passion; It takes a village. Within these themes perceptions of the EPs’ role when working with infants was explored. The analysis draws attention to what EPs are currently doing in Wales to support infants, including the context in which the work takes place and the perceived supporting factors. The analysis also illustrates what EPs hope for in the future in relation to this area of work. Implications for EP practice are discussed at an individual, group and organisational level. The implications for how we conceptualise Educational Psychology as a profession and the systems in which practice is located, are also discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 August 2023
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2023 13:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/161496

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