“We're never expecting our little ones to change, the change needs to lie in the adults and the environments around them.” Exploring how Educational Psychologists (EPs) and Nursery Teachers can foster positive development for nursery-aged pupils in Wales

Thomas, Angharad 2026. “We're never expecting our little ones to change, the change needs to lie in the adults and the environments around them.” Exploring how Educational Psychologists (EPs) and Nursery Teachers can foster positive development for nursery-aged pupils in Wales. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Aim: The aim of this current study was to explore how Educational Psychologists (EPs) and nursery teachers can foster positive development for nursery-aged pupils in Wales. Method: Four EPs and four nursery teachers from six Local Authorities (LAs) across South and West Wales were recruited for this study. Participants took part in individual, semi structured virtual interviews, with questions informed by solution-oriented principles. The data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Analysis: Interviews were transcribed and analysed separately for the two participant groups using RTA. For EPs, five overarching themes and fourteen subthemes were constructed, while four overarching themes and twelve subthemes were constructed for nursery teachers. Findings: The findings indicate that both EPs and nursery teachers prioritised safety, relationships, play and developmentally appropriate practice as central to fostering positive development for nursery-aged pupils. While EPs focused on systems-level influence, hope and capacity-building, nursery teachers described action-oriented, present-focused practice shaped by increasing pressures and resource constraints within everyday nursery contexts. Limitations and Implications: Methodological limitations of the present study are considered, and the implications of the findings are discussed in relation EPs and the wider Early Years (EY) system in Wales.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	22 July 2026
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2026 10:42
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188395

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