'The Attach Project' Implementation Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Design and Implementation of Educational Interventions for Looked After Children: A Detailed Study of 'The Attach Project'
IRAS ID
243299
Contact name
Karen Winter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
QUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
19/NI/0081, HSC REC A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The aim of this research is to investigate the design and implementation of ‘The Attach Project’ (TAP), which is a school-based intervention designed to improve socio-emotional and educational outcomes for looked after children (LAC) in primary schools. Premised upon attachment theory, TAP involves the appointment of consistent adult figures for each child and the individualised pairing of looked after children in primary 7 with a trained Key Adult (who could be teachers, senior teachers, classroom assistants and/or the school secretary).
Under TAP, the aim is to develop a positive and trusting relationship with their Key Child. This is facilitated through gaining an understanding of the child’s attachment history and working with the child to understand how best to help them in school. They are also responsible for acting as an advocate for their Key Child and being available to provide support for the child when needed.
The research involves collating data from key stakeholders. Phase One of this research study received ethical approval from Queens University Belfast and has involved the collection of data from school staff regarding their training about TAP. Phase Two investigates the implementation of TAP in each school and it is proposed that a purposive sample of looked after children in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust will be interviewed about their views and experiences.
The application to ORECNI concerns Phase Two and the plan to interview children. There are 13 schools in the South Eastern Trust receiving TAP over the 2018-19 academic term and, within this, approximately 20 looked-after children in primary 7. It is proposed to interview between 10-12 children. Consent will be sought from their social workers and their parents to participate in a semi-structured interview to explore their views, perspectives and experiences of TAP.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
19/NI/0081
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion