Childhood

‘Childhood’ in ‘Crisis’? (Edge Hill University College, England) 1993-1997

This initiative, with colleagues in the Centre for Studies in Crime and Social Justice ‘Young People, Power and Justice’ Research Group at Edge Hill University, developed collective research focusing on children and young people following the death of James Bulger

Sex and Sexuality Education (Edge Hill University College, England) 1995

This research project, with Karen Corteen, explored sex education policy and practice in ten primary schools in one local education authority based on policy analysis, questionnaires, and interviews with Headteachers, Governors, Year 6 Teachers, and Key Stage One Teachers.

Citizenship, Personal, Social and Health Education, 1996-2002

I co-authored two PSHE Schemes including books for 7-11 year olds and their teachers, plus an Activity Book for 11-16 year olds

‘Taking Part Toolkit’: Promoting Participation (North West Children’s Taskforce, England) 2002

Commissioned by a multi-agency Children’s Taskforce in North West England this project, with Polly Wright, included publication of a Toolkit which included: a Report (review of literature and policy, informed by young people’s views and experiences);

Teenage Pregnancy and Looked After Children (Teenage Pregnancy Unit, England) 2001-2003

This commission by the (then) government’s Teenage Pregnancy Unit included giving the Plenary presentation and organising a number of consultation workshops at a national seminar for Regional Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinators, Quality Protects managers, civil servants and academics (2001), followed by development of a resource plus examples of good practice concerning ‘Teenage Pregnancy and Looked After Children’. I was invited to present about the implications of this work to researchers and practitioners.

Analysis of Responses to the ‘Priorities for Youth’ Consultation (Youth Council for Northern Ireland) 2008-2009

Commissioned by the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, with Siobhán McAlister, this project analysed responses from children and young people, youth work volunteers, youth workers, and youth service managers to the Department of Education Priorities for Youth consultation questionnaire.