'It's time to grow up': an exploration of the lived experiences of transition to secondary school for children who are subject to child in need and child protection plans

Roberts, Abbie (2020). 'It's time to grow up': an exploration of the lived experiences of transition to secondary school for children who are subject to child in need and child protection plans. University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

The transition from primary to secondary school marks a significant milestone in a child’s life and educational career (West et al., 2010). It is recognised as a potentially difficult time, with the negative academic, social and emotional effects of an unsuccessful transition being widely documented.

Children subject to a Child in Need Plan (CINP) or Child Protection Plan (CPP) are said to experience poorer educational outcomes than most of their peers (DfE, 2019b). However, previous research has failed to explore the lived experiences of primary-secondary school transition, and wider education, from the perspective of these children. Thus, the present study seeks to make a unique contribution to the field, and increase the visibility of this group of children in research, by addressing this gap in transition literature.

The aim of this research was to explore the lived experiences of primary-secondary school transition for five children subject to a CINP or CPP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), to explore the children’s experiences. Findings suggest that the transition experiences of children on a CINP or CPP are unique, complex and defined by risk, opportunity and challenge. The findings are discussed in relation to the Process-Person-Context-Time model (Bronfenbrenner, 2005) and used to inform suggestions for professional practice and future research.

Type of Work:

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

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):