Aleisha M. Clarke, Maeve O'Sullivan and Margaret M. Barry
This paper seeks to report on the evaluation of Zippy's Friends, an international emotional wellbeing programme, for primary school children in disadvantaged schools in Ireland…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to report on the evaluation of Zippy's Friends, an international emotional wellbeing programme, for primary school children in disadvantaged schools in Ireland. The paper aims to present case studies of the profile and ethos of two specific schools participating in the programme, their links with the local community, the degree of parental involvement and the factors that influence programme implementation in the local context.
Design/methodology/approach
Within the framework of the overall evaluation study, which employs a randomised controlled design, two schools self‐selected to participate in case studies. Employing interviews and group discussions, the case study method was used to explore the views of teachers, pupils, parents and key informants from the wider community on the delivery of the programme within the context of a whole school approach.
Findings
The findings from two contrasting schools are presented, a large urban school with a multi‐cultural profile in an area of multiple disadvantage, and a smaller, almost monocultural, rural school on the border region with Northern Ireland. The findings reveal largely positive attitudes on the benefits of the programme and support for a whole school approach. The data indicate contrasting levels of parental involvement in the two schools and highlight the importance of socio‐ economic and cultural influences in the local communities and the challenges these present for effective implementation.
Research limitations/implications
The paper explores the specific contextual factors in two schools and may, therefore, lack generalisability. However, this effort to focus on the specific local context is useful within the framework of the overall randomised control trial evaluation study.
Practical implications
The reality of implementing an emotional wellbeing programme in disadvantaged school settings and effectively engaging teachers, parents and the wider community, is explored through the use of case study methods.
Originality/value
The paper explores the real‐life context of two schools participating in the Zippy's Friends programme and provides an insight into the contextual factors impacting on programme implementation in disadvantaged school settings.
Details
Keywords
By extending their campaign beyond its NIMBY and health risk frames, GSE were able to open up a third frame, which was established from the political opportunity of democratic…
Abstract
By extending their campaign beyond its NIMBY and health risk frames, GSE were able to open up a third frame, which was established from the political opportunity of democratic deficit surrounding the state's response to their campaign. This democratic deficit frame had its inception in the state's initial omission of the health risks of incineration in the CWP. By exploiting this opportunity, GSE were able to establish their own credentials through their provision of interest-led science about the health risks. Another area of democratic deficit exploited by GSE was seen in the state's attempt to rush the CWP through without undergoing the proper public consultation process that was written in to regional waste plans. Furthermore, the state's removal of the councillor's powers to decide the waste issue contributed significantly to a local sense of democratic deficit.
Notes that the Committee on Medical Aspects on Food Policy (COMA) is currently reviewing the nutritional status of the population in relation to micronutrients statutorily added…
Abstract
Notes that the Committee on Medical Aspects on Food Policy (COMA) is currently reviewing the nutritional status of the population in relation to micronutrients statutorily added to flour and yellow fats (iron, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamins A and D) and folic acid. Also that, given the reduction of average energy intakes in the UK and changing food habits it is becoming more difficult for certain population groups to meet recommended intakes of essential nutrients. Focuses on three key areas of particular concern identified by COMA: iron status; bone health; and folate status. Suggests that the statutory addition of iron, calcium, thiamin, and niacin to flour and vitamins A and D to margarine, and the voluntary addition of folic acid to breakfast cereals and some breads are practices that can help to prevent nutritional inadequacies.