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PsychBites

Laura Chapman, Ellyn Berman-Jones and Lauren Bratton

PsychBites is the podcast for education professionals that aims to bridge the gap between educational psychology research and day-to-day practice with children and young people.

Hosted by trainee educational psychologists Laura Chapman, Ellyn Berman-Jones and Lauren Bratton, each episode features a guest educational psychologist discussing their specialist area of research in a bite-size, digestible way that offers food for thought for all professionals working in education.

You can find us at:

Instagram: psychbitespod
X / Twitter: @psychbitespod
LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast
Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 32 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S4 · E20
    February 11 · 48 min

    Ep.33 Co-Creating Comprehensive Sex Education in Youth Justice - Dr Daisy Bloor and Dr Rai Fayette

    This week we are joined by Dr Daisy Bloor and her research supervisor, Dr Rai Fayatte. Daisy and Rai talk to us about Daisy’s work, which aimed to collaboratively develop a guidebook to support young people displaying sexually harmful behaviours within a youth justice setting. Daisy explores the possible underpinnings of these behaviours and shares how she co-created a guidebook with a Youth Justice Service (YJS) to help caregivers deliver comprehensive sex education both within the YJS and at home. Her research highlights the power of collaboration and education in fostering understanding, empowerment, and positive change for both young people and their families. To access the full text, follow: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/empowering-change-enhancing-comprehensive-sex-education-for-indiv/ Here is the link to the guidebook: https://1drv.ms/b/c/9b25f203317c3dd7/IQCeOjNsdIG4SJWlCF6HAEBnAYtf0dEzGeN5DTChoQljI_U?e=uVITkU Here is the link to the audit tool: https://1drv.ms/b/c/9b25f203317c3dd7/IQAluEzHkK4_SZIIyq8ISqC5AYvgjIRcMQN6T_tB2th2lR8?e=v0CVBF You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E19
    January 14 · 35 min

    Ep.32 Video Games and Dyslexia - Dr Hannah Lewis

    This week we are joined by Dr Hannah Lewis; Hannah talks to us about the innovative use of video game technology in the classroom for children aged 7–11 with dyslexia. Hannah discusses how her mixed methods research examined video games both as a tool to develop cognitive skills involved in reading and as a potential educational resource in schools. Her work highlights how interactive technologies can support learning, engagement, and wellbeing for children and young people with diverse needs. To access the full text, follow: https://figshare.cardiffmet.ac.uk/articles/thesis/Exploring_the_Use_of_Video_Games_as_an_Educational_Intervention_with_a_Focus_on_Training_Cognitive_Skills_Involved_in_Reading_for_Children_Aged_7_to_11_with_Dyslexia/24592734?file=43221399 You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E18
    Nov 19, 2025 · 31 min

    Ep.31 Narrating Growth After Parental Separation - Dr Laura Chapman

    This week we are joined by our very own Dr Laura Chapman; Laura talks to us about how adults who experienced parental separation in childhood narrate their educational journeys. She discusses how her narrative inquiry highlighted themes of relationships, strengths and accomplishment, autonomy and agency, and identity. Laura reflects on how her research offers an alternative to deficit-based accounts by drawing on positive psychology and resilience, showing the diverse ways that individuals find growth and meaning through their educational experiences. To access the full text, follow: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180333/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E17
    Nov 5, 2025 · 24 min

    Ep.30 Educational Psychology Practice at the Edge of Care - Dr Brianna Bowen

    This week we are joined by Dr Brianna Bowen; Brianna talks to us about how Educational Psychologists can support families experiencing significant adversity and at risk of entering care. She shares how her grounded theory study highlighted the ways EPs can help families build belonging, resilience, safety, and healing—factors that can make a real difference in keeping families together, strong, and connected. To access the full text, follow: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180062/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E16
    Oct 22, 2025 · 38 min

    Ep.29 Autistic Students’ Experiences of Sensory Sensitivities in School - Jennifer Price

    This week we are joined by Jennifer Price; Jenny talks to us about how autistic secondary students experience sensory sensitivities in the school environment and how these impact their daily lives. She discusses how her study sought to amplify autistic students’ voices, using accessible methods to empower them to share their perspectives. Jennifer reflects on how the findings have been described as “a call to action” for those working in mainstream education, highlighting the urgent need to create sensory-informed school spaces. To access the full text, follow: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613251333860 To view a summary of the research, follow: https://crae.ioe.ac.uk/it-just-feels-unnatural-being-here/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E15
    Oct 8, 2025 · 29 min

    Ep.28 The Role of Educational Psychologists in Social Care - Dr Rhiannon Warwick

    This week we are joined by Dr Rhiannon Warwick; Rhiannon talks to us about how Educational Psychologists and Social Workers in Wales view the role of the EP within multi-agency teams supporting care experienced children. Rhiannon discusses how she used a cultural-historical activity theory framework to explore these perspectives, shedding light on how EPs can work collaboratively within social care teams to support children more effectively. To access the full text, follow: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/40/2/54 or https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/143335/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E13
    Jul 2, 2025 · 37 min

    Ep.26 Exploring Social Justice Principles in Educational Psychology Practice - Alex Brownhill

    This week we are joined by Alex Brownhill; Alex talks to us about embedding social justice principles within educational psychology services. Alex draws on their preliminary research titled ‘Massive changes through little conversations’, they explore how educational psychology professionals are currently enacting social justice in their work, their hopes for deeper integration of these principles, and the barriers and facilitators they encounter. This reflective discussion highlights the power of everyday conversations in shaping more equitable practices within education systems. To access Alex’s research follow: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsecp/42/1/15 You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E12
    Jun 18, 2025 · 40 min

    Ep.25 Children Caught in the Cycle of Exploitation - Dr Jessica Pritchard

    This week we are joined by Dr Jessica Pritchard. Jess talks to us about her research that aimed to explore the topic of children being exploited through County Lines in the UK, through a language-based enquiry. Jess’ study specifically investigated how professionals talk about children who are caught up in the cycle of exploitation, and what the significance of this might be. To access the full text, follow: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171059/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E11
    Jun 4, 2025 · 35 min

    Ep.24 Teaching Sex Education to Autistic Learners - Daisy Bloor

    This week we are joined by Daisy Bloor. Daisy talks to us about the challenges teachers face when delivering sex education to autistic learners. We discuss how sex education plays a vital role in helping young people understand relationships, navigate sexuality, manage rejection, and know where to seek support. Daisy’s research suggests that current sex education curriculums are not adequately tailored to neurodiverse learners, leaving them at greater risk and disadvantage in developing healthy, informed relationships. To access the full text, follow: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891422222001743?via%3Dihub You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E10
    May 21, 2025 · 25 min

    Ep.23 Part 2 Mediating Learning Support Approach (MeLSA) - Dr Mary Stanley-Duke

    This week we are joined by Dr. Mary Stanley-Duke for part two of our episode about the Mediating Learning Support Approach (MeLSA). In part two of our conversation, Mary talks to us about the MeLSA’s experiences of training, the ‘what, where and whys’ of learning and what research has been conducted to explore MeLSA. For more information: Stanley-Duke, M., Wright, D., Cook, E., Reid, A., Cogan, O., Reese, S., Bull-Beddows, R., Sims, L. and Graves, F. 2022. The Psychological Foundations of The Mediating Learning Support Assistant (MeLSA) Training Programme. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 8 (1), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8v1v7 Wright, D., Stanley-Duke, M., Pennack-Thomas, J., Marquez, Vega, E. and Kalippen, P. 2023. “It’s Just a New Way of Looking at Learning”: Evaluation of the Mediating Learning Support Assistant (MeLSA) Training Programme. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 9 (1), pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8wqxv Swindon EPS commissioned a video, ‘Making the Most of MeLSA’ https://youtu.be/ztEfBKXYj70 CPD opportunity with edpsy hosts: edpsy hosts Dr Mary Stanley-Duke: Mediating learning - supporting children to get the most from every learning task - edpsy.org.uk You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E9
    May 7, 2025 · 25 min

    Ep.23 Part 1 Mediating Learning Support Approach (MeLSA) - Dr Mary Stanley-Duke

    This week, we’re joined by Dr. Mary Stanley-Duke to explore the Mediating Learning Support Approach (MeLSA). In part one of our conversation, Mary explains the principles of mediating learning, outlines the structure of the MeLSA training programme, and shares how the project has evolved since its inception. For more information: Stanley-Duke, M., Wright, D., Cook, E., Reid, A., Cogan, O., Reese, S., Bull-Beddows, R., Sims, L. and Graves, F. 2022. The Psychological Foundations of The Mediating Learning Support Assistant (MeLSA) Training Programme. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 8 (1), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8v1v7 Wright, D., Stanley-Duke, M., Pennack-Thomas, J., Marquez, Vega, E. and Kalippen, P. 2023. “It’s Just a New Way of Looking at Learning”: Evaluation of the Mediating Learning Support Assistant (MeLSA) Training Programme. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 9 (1), pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.8wqxv Swindon EPS commissioned a video, ‘Making the Most of MeLSA’ https://youtu.be/ztEfBKXYj70 CPD opportunity with edpsy hosts: edpsy hosts Dr Mary Stanley-Duke: Mediating learning - supporting children to get the most from every learning task - edpsy.org.uk You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E8
    Feb 12, 2025 · 31 min

    Ep.22 Sensory Rooms and Autism - Dr Catherine Jones

    This week we are joined by Dr Catherine Jones; Catherine talks to us about how autistic children and young people experience sensory rooms in schools and how these spaces can contribute to their wellbeing. Catherine discusses the findings of her team’s research, which highlight the importance of autonomy and demonstrate how sensory rooms can support pupil wellbeing by providing spaces that foster self-regulation. To access Catherine’s research, follow: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/jonescr10 and https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/wales-autism-research-centre To access the sensory room guide, follow: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/psychology/research/impact/sensory-room-guide-supporting-the-learning-and-wellbeing-of-autistic-children You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E7
    Jan 29, 2025 · 37 min

    Ep.21 Young People’s Experiences of Eco-Anxiety - Dr Hannah Togneri

    This week we are joined by Dr Hannah Togneri; Hannah talks to us about how young people experience eco-anxiety and eco-awareness and how their concerns can lead to action in schools. Hannah discusses how she implemented a process called "linked co-operative inquiry" to connect the pupils and school staff, working together to address environmental issues, developing a new sense of connection amongst emotionally caring others in school. To access Hannah’s full text, follow: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/152217/1/Thesis%20-%20Hannah%20Togneri%20-%201720282.pdf EP Reach Out Youtube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/IXnZuqYgfAo Edpsy Blog: https://edpsy.org.uk/blog/2023/we-need-to-talk-about-climate-change/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E6
    Jan 15, 2025 · 38 min

    Ep.20 What do we mean by ‘evidence-based practice'? - Dr Dan O’Hare

    This week we are joined by Dr Dan O’Hare; Dan talks to us about the evolving concept of evidence-based practice within the Educational Psychology (EP) profession. He discusses how traditional views on evidence-based practice, which soley rely on research evidence, have been criticised for being impractical and instead presents the growing advocacy for practices grounded in practitioner experience. To access Dan’s full text, follow: Evidence-based practice: a mixed methods approach to understanding educational psychologists’ use of evidence in practice - edpsy.org.uk You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E5
    Nov 20, 2024 · 22 min

    PsychBites 1st Birthday!

    It’s a double milestone celebration this month as we turn 1 and hit an incredible 10,000 listens! In this special episode, we reflect on a year of podcasting—sharing our hopes for the pod, fun stats, and what we’ve learned along the way. Thank you to our fantastic guests and listeners for all of the support. Tune in to celebrate with us. Don’t worry, normal service resumes in two weeks! Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E4
    Nov 6, 2024 · 33 min

    Ep.18 British Psychological Society - Division of Educational and Child Psychology Workforce Survey - Dr Gavin Morgan

    This week we are joined by Dr Gavin Morgan. Gavin talks to us about a survey conducted by the British Psychological Society which found that just over half of all educational psychologists say they feel unable to support children and young people with their current workload, signalling the devastating impact of years of underinvestment in the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system, despite unprecedented demand. He brings attention to the BPS’s campaign which is calling for more educational psychologists in local authorities, to make sure every child has the support they need to thrive in their education. To read the full article, follow: Thousands more children’s education at risk of reaching crisis point due to workforce crisis, warns British Psychological Society | BPS Here is the link to the BPS’s socials: https://twitter.com/bpsofficial https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBPS/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bpsmediacentre https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-psychological-society/ You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E3
    Oct 9, 2024 · 33 min

    Ep.17 Part 2 Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) - Dr Alyssa M Alcorn

    This week we are joined by Dr Alyssa M Alcorn for Part 2 of our episode about the Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) project. The LEANS participatory research project developed and evaluated a free curriculum for mainstream primary schools. LEANS introduces neurodiversity concepts to pupils aged 8-11 years and explores how this type of diversity impacts our experiences at school. Note: Dr Alyssa M Alcorn is now a lecturer at the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol. Alyssa’s work with the LEANS project was conducted whilst she was the Research and Impact Lead and visiting researcher at the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. To access further information on LEANS and download the free resource pack, follow: https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/leans Alyssa published a study exploring the impact of LEANS in school and this can be found here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241272186 Find Alyssa’s social media on @a_m_alcorn0131 and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre @SMRCResearch and #LEANSproject You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E2
    Sep 25, 2024 · 28 min

    Ep.17 Part 1 Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) - Dr Alyssa M Alcorn

    This week we are joined by Dr Alyssa M Alcorn; Alyssa talks to us about the Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) project. The LEANS participatory research project developed and evaluated a free curriculum for mainstream primary schools. LEANS introduces neurodiversity concepts to pupils aged 8-11 years and explores how this type of diversity impacts our experiences at school. Note: Dr Alyssa M Alcorn is now a lecturer at the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol. Alyssa’s work with the LEANS project was conducted whilst she was the Research and Impact Lead and visiting researcher at the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. To access further information on LEANS and download the free resource pack, follow: https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/leans Alyssa published a study exploring the impact of LEANS in school and this can be found here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241272186 Find Alyssa’s social media on @a_m_alcorn0131 and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre @SMRCResearch and #LEANSproject You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

  • S4 · E1
    Sep 11, 2024 · 39 min

    Ep.16 Adopting a Strengths-based Approach to Theory of Mind - Dr Abigail Wright

    This week we are joined by Dr Abigail Wright; Abi talks to us about her research which explored the individual strengths of autistic children and whether they were more likely to show 'Theory of Mind’ when tasks were adapted to the children’s unique strengths, interests and areas of support, compared to a ‘standard’ task. Abi also gives us a brief insight into the exciting early years project she is involved in. To access to Abi's full text, follow: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/95513/1/PDF%20Abigail%20Tee%20final%20marked%20DEdPsy%20thessis%202016%20for%20ORCA%20upload.pdf Find Abi’s Instagram page at @psychedmum You can find us at: Instagram: psychbitespod X / Twitter: @psychbitespod LinkedIn: psychbites-podcast Bluesky: @psychbites.bsky.social

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