Reduced timetables in Wales: Exploring secondary school staff and pupils’ experiences of reintegration to secondary mainstream settings

Williams, Ffion 2025. Reduced timetables in Wales: Exploring secondary school staff and pupils’ experiences of reintegration to secondary mainstream settings. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This empirical study explored secondary school staff and pupils’ experiences of a positive or meaningful reintegration to a secondary mainstream setting following children and young people (CYP) being placed on a reduced timetable in Wales. The study employed an ecosystemic (Bronfenbrenner, 1999) and Positive Psychology (Seligman, 2012) lenses, with the aim of capturing good practices regarding a positive or meaningful reintegration of CYP following being placed on a reduced timetable. The research gained the views and experiences of four secondary aged learners and four members of staff from two Local Authorities based in the North-West of Wales. The findings were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and the following three overarching themes were generated: Anchored in Connection, rooted in Relationships, Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Belonging and Reintegration, and Navigating Roadblocks. The findings emphasise the pivotal role of authentic relationships, student voice, and tailored support in fostering belonging and engagement. Based on the views and experiences of participants, positive reintegration was linked to strength-based approaches, mentoring, community collaboration, and school cultures that value inclusion and flexibility. However, the data also highlighted tensions between inclusive intentions and systemic practices, particularly the ambiguous role of reduced timetables as both support mechanisms and perceived exclusionary tools. Implications for EP practice are outlined and recommendations for future research are made.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 September 2025
Last Modified:	17 Sep 2025 12:37
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/181144

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