A cultural historical activity theory analysis of educational psychologists’ contributions to the statutory assessment of children and young peoples’ special educational needs post-2014 Children and Families Act

Capper, Zoe Louise (2020). A cultural historical activity theory analysis of educational psychologists’ contributions to the statutory assessment of children and young peoples’ special educational needs post-2014 Children and Families Act. University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

Leading up to and following the 2014 Children and Families Act and 2015 Code of Practice (CoP) (Department of Education (DfE) and Department of Health (DH), 2015), the activity of educational psychologists' (EPs’) statutory psychological assessment has been viewed critically within literature (e.g. Lamb, 2009; Cameron and Monsen, 2005; Buck, 2015). The current research explores EPs’ and special educational needs and disability (SEND) officers’ understanding of this activity considering the 2014/2015 policy reforms.
Case study methodology is adopted, using a single local authority (LA) where, despite ongoing development work, EPs remain critical of assessment processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT, Engeström, 1999b) to understand how each group construct this activity. Identified contradictions within the data were taken forward in a Development Work Research (DWR) Lab (Engeström, 2007) to address and resolve key contradictions through the creation of a shared action.
The findings illustrate a range of professional and policy-based contradictions which may have contributed to these criticisms. Over time, EPs’ practice has remained constant in its recognised strengths but identified contradictions in historic literature remained evident. Actions moving forward sought to redevelop graduated assessment processes, promote stronger multi-professional working, strengthen annual review processes and create effective methods for efficient data collection.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):