James McTaggart
@jamesedpsych.bsky.social
Educational Psychologist - early years, child trauma & adversity, infant mental health, equalities & children’s rights; deputy chair BPS Practice Board
For a balanced review of the evidence (and how little we actually know) Peter Etchells book, Unlocked, is very helpful
peteetchells.com/unlocked-book
peteetchells.com/unlocked-book
September 3, 2025 at 6:03 AM
For a balanced review of the evidence (and how little we actually know) Peter Etchells book, Unlocked, is very helpful
peteetchells.com/unlocked-book
peteetchells.com/unlocked-book
"Capacity" is a barrier or a gateway for CYP exercising their rights under the UNCRC
But what is it? Much discussion is based on simple (outdated!) models of child development.
Here's how I think that changes across the main theories - it makes a difference to what capacity is & how to assess?
But what is it? Much discussion is based on simple (outdated!) models of child development.
Here's how I think that changes across the main theories - it makes a difference to what capacity is & how to assess?
September 1, 2025 at 7:47 AM
"Capacity" is a barrier or a gateway for CYP exercising their rights under the UNCRC
But what is it? Much discussion is based on simple (outdated!) models of child development.
Here's how I think that changes across the main theories - it makes a difference to what capacity is & how to assess?
But what is it? Much discussion is based on simple (outdated!) models of child development.
Here's how I think that changes across the main theories - it makes a difference to what capacity is & how to assess?
And on how policy attempts to "level the playing field" easily become unhelpful interventions to try and homogenise the children #ICELT2025
Such a useful keynote from Sue Dockett and Bob Perry at #ICELT2025 on international research on transitions to school (and the sticky spread of "schoolification" of #earlyyears)
August 22, 2025 at 9:15 AM
And on how policy attempts to "level the playing field" easily become unhelpful interventions to try and homogenise the children #ICELT2025
Such a useful keynote from Sue Dockett and Bob Perry at #ICELT2025 on international research on transitions to school (and the sticky spread of "schoolification" of #earlyyears)
August 22, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Such a useful keynote from Sue Dockett and Bob Perry at #ICELT2025 on international research on transitions to school (and the sticky spread of "schoolification" of #earlyyears)
Reposted by James McTaggart
We are delighted to invite abstract submissions for iHV Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Conference 2026, which is taking place on 6 May 2026 in #Bournemouth.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your work on a national platform.
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
#iHVEBP2026 #HealthVisiting
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your work on a national platform.
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
#iHVEBP2026 #HealthVisiting
July 25, 2025 at 11:22 AM
We are delighted to invite abstract submissions for iHV Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Conference 2026, which is taking place on 6 May 2026 in #Bournemouth.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your work on a national platform.
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
#iHVEBP2026 #HealthVisiting
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your work on a national platform.
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
#iHVEBP2026 #HealthVisiting
Reposted by James McTaggart
Love this! We can usually involve. We can usually listen. And we can always observe. Children and young people always have expertise to share with us and each other.
The UNCRC supports children’s rights to give consent, to be consulted & to complain
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
July 18, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Love this! We can usually involve. We can usually listen. And we can always observe. Children and young people always have expertise to share with us and each other.
Reposted by James McTaggart
Never assume your little one is too young to begin absorbing the adult language around them - either spoken aloud in the home or delivered via TV, music, or other media.
They understand more than you think.
This adorable little language learner was shared to IG by growingupkoreanamerican.
They understand more than you think.
This adorable little language learner was shared to IG by growingupkoreanamerican.
July 17, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Never assume your little one is too young to begin absorbing the adult language around them - either spoken aloud in the home or delivered via TV, music, or other media.
They understand more than you think.
This adorable little language learner was shared to IG by growingupkoreanamerican.
They understand more than you think.
This adorable little language learner was shared to IG by growingupkoreanamerican.
Reposted by James McTaggart
Participation ROCCS!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
July 17, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Participation ROCCS!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
Reposted by James McTaggart
Delighted to share more of this work a year on from the day that the UNCRC was incorporated into Scots Law. Please read the whole thread to see parts of the resource and a short video!
The UNCRC supports children’s rights to give consent, to be consulted & to complain
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
July 16, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Delighted to share more of this work a year on from the day that the UNCRC was incorporated into Scots Law. Please read the whole thread to see parts of the resource and a short video!
Participation ROCCS!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
July 16, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Participation ROCCS!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
But adult myths about capacity get in the way
That’s what children told us, and here’s a resource they helped us to make so adults can reflect on the myths and change their practice
More in the thread – feel free to use as long as you give us feedback!
The UNCRC supports children’s rights to give consent, to be consulted & to complain
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
July 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The UNCRC supports children’s rights to give consent, to be consulted & to complain
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I researched with children what they think of this and what might help
Some resulting resources - feel free to use! 🧵 1/4
Reposted by James McTaggart
How can we improve access to services for children & their families?
Psychologist Dr Liz Gregory developed the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering, Safe, & Trusted) framework which 'Matches families with services that best meet their need.'
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/blog/psychol...
Psychologist Dr Liz Gregory developed the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering, Safe, & Trusted) framework which 'Matches families with services that best meet their need.'
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/blog/psychol...
June 19, 2025 at 8:54 AM
How can we improve access to services for children & their families?
Psychologist Dr Liz Gregory developed the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering, Safe, & Trusted) framework which 'Matches families with services that best meet their need.'
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/blog/psychol...
Psychologist Dr Liz Gregory developed the N.E.S.T (Nurturing, Empowering, Safe, & Trusted) framework which 'Matches families with services that best meet their need.'
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/blog/psychol...
Reposted by James McTaggart
"do teachers need to love their students? I think the answer is “yes” - but that this isn’t the burden we might think it is. That’s because pedagogical love isn’t so much about liking every student as it is about the skill of paying attention"
What role does 'love' have in teaching?
People often say they 'love' their students, but what do they actually mean and is it essential for good relationships and, therefore, good teaching?
This is a very interesting piece from @bernardandrews.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
People often say they 'love' their students, but what do they actually mean and is it essential for good relationships and, therefore, good teaching?
This is a very interesting piece from @bernardandrews.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
What’s ‘love’ got to do with teaching?
Do you have to like your students, or even ‘love’ them, to be a good teacher? Bernard Andrews goes on the hunt for a definition of pedagogical love
www.tes.com
June 18, 2025 at 5:20 PM
"do teachers need to love their students? I think the answer is “yes” - but that this isn’t the burden we might think it is. That’s because pedagogical love isn’t so much about liking every student as it is about the skill of paying attention"
Reposted by James McTaggart
Brushstrokes and breakthroughs: how can gallery-based art therapy improve young people’s mental health? buff.ly/xjMjWZt
#MentalHealth #ArtTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #Art #Galleries
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #ArtTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #Art #Galleries
🧵 THREAD
June 18, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Brushstrokes and breakthroughs: how can gallery-based art therapy improve young people’s mental health? buff.ly/xjMjWZt
#MentalHealth #ArtTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #Art #Galleries
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #ArtTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #Art #Galleries
🧵 THREAD
We asked children & young people what they made of common adult myths about their capacity - this one got some strong reactions, and great ideas for creating some resources
The adventures of Mythical Mungo and Capacity Callum begin! Which one are you?
The adventures of Mythical Mungo and Capacity Callum begin! Which one are you?
June 18, 2025 at 6:55 AM
We asked children & young people what they made of common adult myths about their capacity - this one got some strong reactions, and great ideas for creating some resources
The adventures of Mythical Mungo and Capacity Callum begin! Which one are you?
The adventures of Mythical Mungo and Capacity Callum begin! Which one are you?
Reposted by James McTaggart
The children & young people had a lot to say on this, privileged to have had the opportunity to listen to their views and hear what they think needs to be done. Next step is to follow through on what they’ve asked and share this and the resources we are developing far and wide.
Enacting the UNCRC means children have rights to consent, to be consulted, and to complain. But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way.
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
June 17, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The children & young people had a lot to say on this, privileged to have had the opportunity to listen to their views and hear what they think needs to be done. Next step is to follow through on what they’ve asked and share this and the resources we are developing far and wide.
Enacting the UNCRC means children have rights to consent, to be consulted, and to complain. But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way.
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
June 17, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Enacting the UNCRC means children have rights to consent, to be consulted, and to complain. But often adult myths about their capacity get in the way.
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
@jochamberlain.bsky.social and I asked children & young people what they thought of these myths - here is what we learned!
Reposted by James McTaggart
Our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election launches today.
It outlines three priority areas alongside evidence-based recommendations that should form part of the new Scottish govt's agenda across education, health & justice.
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/news/psychol...
It outlines three priority areas alongside evidence-based recommendations that should form part of the new Scottish govt's agenda across education, health & justice.
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/news/psychol...
June 16, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election launches today.
It outlines three priority areas alongside evidence-based recommendations that should form part of the new Scottish govt's agenda across education, health & justice.
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/news/psychol...
It outlines three priority areas alongside evidence-based recommendations that should form part of the new Scottish govt's agenda across education, health & justice.
Because #PsychologyMatters: www.bps.org.uk/news/psychol...
Reposted by James McTaggart
It's worth remembering that what we encounter as children's needs is about their response to the environment we are asked to put them in. They need something different because the system isn't designed around the outliers. If the system was more flexible, we could meet more needs. #inclusion #EduSky
June 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
It's worth remembering that what we encounter as children's needs is about their response to the environment we are asked to put them in. They need something different because the system isn't designed around the outliers. If the system was more flexible, we could meet more needs. #inclusion #EduSky
Reposted by James McTaggart
I’m looking for a small number of secondary schools to help us with a research study exploring self-diagnosis of mental health problems in young people
For more info or to express interest, please email @nhigsonsweeney.bsky.social:
nina.higson-sweeney [at] psych.ox.ac.uk
Or DM us! Thank you 🙏🏼
For more info or to express interest, please email @nhigsonsweeney.bsky.social:
nina.higson-sweeney [at] psych.ox.ac.uk
Or DM us! Thank you 🙏🏼
June 6, 2025 at 12:29 PM
I’m looking for a small number of secondary schools to help us with a research study exploring self-diagnosis of mental health problems in young people
For more info or to express interest, please email @nhigsonsweeney.bsky.social:
nina.higson-sweeney [at] psych.ox.ac.uk
Or DM us! Thank you 🙏🏼
For more info or to express interest, please email @nhigsonsweeney.bsky.social:
nina.higson-sweeney [at] psych.ox.ac.uk
Or DM us! Thank you 🙏🏼
“It has to be about more than compliance if we want change”
Changing behaviour is just difficult to do and the idea that a system alone can do the work, rather than it being a tricky mix of systems, relationships, support and flexibility, has imo done damage to the way we think about behaviour. It has to be about more than compliance if we want change. 3/3
June 5, 2025 at 7:25 AM
“It has to be about more than compliance if we want change”
A different kind of bucket challenge - looking forward to finding out just how much #literacy we can do with a bucket, some pebbles and some pine cones with early years practitioners and primary school teachers today!
June 5, 2025 at 6:16 AM
A different kind of bucket challenge - looking forward to finding out just how much #literacy we can do with a bucket, some pebbles and some pine cones with early years practitioners and primary school teachers today!
Reposted by James McTaggart
Qualitative researchers' experiences of methodologically incongruent peer review feedback
w/ @ginnybraun.bsky.social @jeffnz.bsky.social @janeemcallaghan.bsky.social @andrealamarre.bsky.social & @joannasemlyen.bsky.social
psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/202...
w/ @ginnybraun.bsky.social @jeffnz.bsky.social @janeemcallaghan.bsky.social @andrealamarre.bsky.social & @joannasemlyen.bsky.social
psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/202...
December 17, 2024 at 10:26 PM
Qualitative researchers' experiences of methodologically incongruent peer review feedback
w/ @ginnybraun.bsky.social @jeffnz.bsky.social @janeemcallaghan.bsky.social @andrealamarre.bsky.social & @joannasemlyen.bsky.social
psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/202...
w/ @ginnybraun.bsky.social @jeffnz.bsky.social @janeemcallaghan.bsky.social @andrealamarre.bsky.social & @joannasemlyen.bsky.social
psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/202...
Reposted by James McTaggart
I'm super excited to be part of the team behind this conference in Aberdeen on 16th and 17th May. The brilliant @jamesedpsych.bsky.social is kicking things off on Friday evening followed by the fabulous @mennagodfrey.bsky.social
sway.cloud.microsoft/71nZGJzWBKys...
sway.cloud.microsoft/71nZGJzWBKys...
Impactful Practice - The Outdoors Thinking Approach Conference
Terri Harrison is a proud grandma with a passion for outdoor play! As an additional support needs teacher and co-founder of the Nature Nurture Project, she has dedicated her career to supporting child
sway.cloud.microsoft
April 15, 2025 at 8:24 PM
I'm super excited to be part of the team behind this conference in Aberdeen on 16th and 17th May. The brilliant @jamesedpsych.bsky.social is kicking things off on Friday evening followed by the fabulous @mennagodfrey.bsky.social
sway.cloud.microsoft/71nZGJzWBKys...
sway.cloud.microsoft/71nZGJzWBKys...
Reposted by James McTaggart
Big paper. Fascinating findings… it really does take a village to raise a child.
bsky.app/profile/drel...
bsky.app/profile/drel...
Big performance differences by parental education 📊
While boys and girls scored similarly, a striking education gradient emerged:
🎓 Children of Master's-educated parents mostly scored above the mean
🧑🔧 Children of lower-secondary educated parents mostly scored below the mean
doi.org/10.31234/osf... 🧵
While boys and girls scored similarly, a striking education gradient emerged:
🎓 Children of Master's-educated parents mostly scored above the mean
🧑🔧 Children of lower-secondary educated parents mostly scored below the mean
doi.org/10.31234/osf... 🧵
April 13, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Big paper. Fascinating findings… it really does take a village to raise a child.
bsky.app/profile/drel...
bsky.app/profile/drel...