Abstract

This report presents findings from an evidence gathering project into the efficacy and effectiveness of Adults First. Developed by Educational Psychologist Christine Sketchley, Adults First is a novel, school-based, educational psychology intervention, supporting children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs, and their parents, within Redcar and Cleveland. Adults First is a unique way of working, that differs from traditional educational psychology approaches, in that it seeks to understand the child’s challenges, behaviour, life, and experiences by bringing together parents with professionals, agencies or disciplines, to gain a more holistic understanding of the child’s needs. The aim of this project was to gather insight from parents, who have participated in the Adults First intervention within Redcar and Cleveland, to establish key elements of the Adults First model to be explored further, forming the foundations of a full-scale evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with parents, with the aim of better understanding the experiences of parents involved with the Adults First model, establish successful aspects of the approach and areas for development. Findings provide a unique insight into the Adults First model, exploring the experiences, views and perspectives of parents participating in the intervention.