Pupil interactions and networks in special schools

This project will work with three secondary special schools to collect peer network data to better understand positive and negative interactions between special school pupils.

Bullying is a public health risk with rates amongst pupils with special educational needs and disabilities estimated to be up to 69%. Yet to date, there are no evidence-based anti-bullying programmes specifically designed for use in special schools. This could in part be because there is no data on special school pupil peer networks to support the design and structure of a suitable programme.

Our immediate objectives are to 1) understand pupil interactions and networks within a sample of secondary special schools with differing specialisms, and 2) trial the suitability of bullying experience questionnaires with both special school staff and pupils.

The research team will recruit three secondary special schools (pupils aged 11-16) and will spend multiple days at each, collecting peer network data from as many pupils as possible. They will also trial bullying experience questionnaires with a smaller sample of pupils and teachers, for feedback.