A cultural-historical activity theory analysis of educational psychologists’ practice with young people aged 16-25 five years on from the special educational needs and disability code of practice 0-25 (2015)

Mandair, Sashvinder Kaur (2021). A cultural-historical activity theory analysis of educational psychologists’ practice with young people aged 16-25 five years on from the special educational needs and disability code of practice 0-25 (2015). University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

This research explores the professional practices of educational psychologists within one local authority educational psychology service with young people aged 16-25. For the purpose of this study, the local authority educational psychology service will be called ‘Drewquay’. The analysis aims to explore the extent to which EPs’ work has been adapted to work with young people aged 16-25-years-old. Cultural-historical activity theory was used as a tool to collect data from 11 educational psychologists through virtual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Braun & Clarke’s (2013) model of thematic analysis.

The results show that the five core functions of an educational psychologist continue to be prevalent in the work of educational psychologists within the 16-25 age range, with a particular focus on engaging in assessment and consultation. Key differences occur in the outcome of educational psychologists’ work, whereby work with 16-25- year-olds focused on capturing the views and aspirations for hopes into adulthood. This influenced the choice of tools, with assessments focusing on functional skills that are deemed necessary for independence in adulthood. Supporting and constraining factors to educational psychologists’ work with young people are explored. Across the data set, contradictions are identified across different areas of educational psychologists’ work.

Results from this study indicates the kinds of work that educational psychologists may complete with young people aged 16-25, along with knowledge of tools that they may wish to use in practice. Within Drewquay educational psychology service, the results will be disseminated, and in-service development will focus on addressing contradictions to collectively develop and create a new activity to move educational psychologists’ work forward in this age range.

Type of Work:

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

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):