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James McTaggart

@jamesedpsych.bsky.social
1.4K followers 981 following 187 posts

Educational Psychologist - early years, child trauma & adversity, infant mental health, equalities & children’s rights; deputy chair BPS Practice Board

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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Lots of conversations atm about #behaviour in #earlyyears. Children’s actions can often be understood as their "voice", giving us info about their developmental needs - especially when they are inconvenient or difficult! Some ideas in the table:
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Lots of conversations atm about behaviour in early years. Children’s actions can often be understood as their "voice", giving us info about their developmental needs - especially when they are inconvenient or difficult! Some ideas in the table:
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Jennifer Chung @doctorchungie.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Muddy, outdoor play! Our #DLL @ioe.bsky.social @ucl.ac.uk MA Early Years Education students observed children getting muddy in a Reception classroom. Let the children #play! #OutdoorPlay #ItAllStartsWithPlay #WeAreIOE #LoveUCL
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
No evenings this week, just proof-reading, but the lovely cover Routledge have made will keep me going!
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
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 — Professor Pete Etchells
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
"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 Much discussion is based on simple (outdated!)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?
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
And on how policy attempts to "level the playing field" easily become unhelpful interventions to try and homogenise the children #ICELT2025
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
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)
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Institute of Health Visiting @ihealthvisiting.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
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
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Stephen Bullock @creatwittity.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
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.
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Dan Wuori @danwuori.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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.
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Jo Chamberlain @jochamberlain.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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!
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Jo Chamberlain @jochamberlain.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
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!
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
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!
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
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
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
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...
Quote reads Families were being referred to different services, waiting on lists, only to be told it wasn’t the right service for them. Dr Liz Gregory. Round photo of Liz with a green background and BPS and Psychology Matters logos
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Jon Severs @jonsevers.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
"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"
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The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Brushstrokes and breakthroughs: how can gallery-based art therapy improve young people’s mental health? buff.ly/xjMjWZt #MentalHealth #ArtTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #Art #Galleries 🧵 THREAD
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
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?
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Jo Chamberlain @jochamberlain.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
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.
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
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!
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
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...
Quote reads With ever-increasing demand for already stretched services, it's essential we have a workforce fit for the future to enable better, and more equal, access to services for all. Yana Yaneva, BPS Scottish Branch Chair. Photo of the Scottish Parliament, Psychology Matters and BPS logos.
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Sue Cowley @suecowley.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
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
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Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
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 🙏🏼
Secondary schools! Can you help? We're looking for research participantsWe're looking for UK secondary schools to help us with a project about self-diagnosis. For more info or to express interest, please DM me or email Nina at nina.higson-sweeney@psych.ox.ac.uk
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
“It has to be about more than compliance if we want change”
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
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!
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Vic Clarke (she/her, they/them) @vicclarke.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
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...
First page of the paper Being really confidently wrong by Victoria Clarke et al.
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@DawnEwan5 @dawnewan5.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
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
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
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DamsonEd @damsoned.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Big paper. Fascinating findings… it really does take a village to raise a child. bsky.app/profile/drel...
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Almost finished first draft of book on #trauma-informed practice in #earlyyears education A nagging suspicion I have left out something important! Here's the contents page - anything missing?
Draft contents page for a book on early years trauma-informed practice
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Really useful report on #play and children's healthcare via @paulramchandani.bsky.social Recommendations are very close to the recent NICE guidance on Babies, Children's and Young People's experiences of Healthcare, too! (www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng204) www.pedalhub.net/projects/ite...
Recommendations on play in children's healthcare, how it reduces stress, expresses emotions, improves agency, builds connection and preserves childhood
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bernadettecairns.bsky.social @bernadettecairns.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
It has been really interesting to see how our offer of professional reflective supervision has grown over the years. The benefits to HT wellbeing has been significant.
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Mary J @primaryteachermary.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Relatable. 🤣
KINDERGARTEN TESTING: 'TELL ME A WORD THAT RHYMES WITH PIG."
"EYEBALL
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British Psychological Society @bpsofficial.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Are you a newly qualified clinical psychologist? The DCP Early Career CPD Programme will help you thrive in your first clinical role, with workshops, webinars, and expert guidance. If you're a DCP member, register now: www.bps.org.uk/news/take-your-psychology-career-next-level
DCP Early Career CPD Programme. Supporting early career clinical psychologists to thrive in their first role. Book by 13 April 2025. Photo of a woman looking at a laptop. BPS logo. Division of Clinical Psychology logo
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
How many issues with teens in school could be explained partly by sleep deprivation? This study found short naps promoted learning. (Back in 15 mins!) www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
It can be tricky to assess parent-infant relationships without resorting to checklists, or risking them feeling bad about themselves or their baby We're working on developing a strengths-based, infant voice centred self assessment - here's progress so far, comments very welcome!
A wheel describing key features of parent-infant positive relationships
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Lou Kinnear @loukinnear.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Fantastic! Listen to voices of our amazing CYP from Raigmore Primary School, helping us all understand the Armed Forces Covenant Education section. Plse RT so everyone can "Listen, Read & Learn" @highland.gov.uk @jochamberlain.bsky.social @bernadettecairns.bsky.social Click: tinyurl.com/yee4scre
tinyurl.com
Highland’s Children & Young People are AMAZING!
Pupils from Raigmore Primary School in Inverness have co-created, with MLG (Education), a valuable and helpful online book and poster to help explain to us all what the Armed Forces Covenant-Educat…
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Dr Jane Park 🎻🏳️‍⚧️ @viola-jane.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Been giving a bit of a hand to a friend working towards her Psych MSc - this resonates 😅 #EdPsychs
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Often missing in debates about #smacking is what children think & experience “It’s only a light smack.” “Only a light tap.” But … How can adults be so sure that the child’s experience isn’t actually one of frightening violence? 1/3
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Headteacher Update @headteacherupdate.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
From phonological awareness to oral language to pencil control, @jamesedpsych.bsky.social offers five keys to the early #teaching of reading that will set pupils up for future success: buff.ly/4hTfqSw #literacy #schools #teachers #edusky
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Five keys to unlocking literacy learning - Headteacher Update
Five ways that teachers can approach reading and writing to support the development of pupil literacy skills
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Dan Wuori @danwuori.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
When your baby drops objects from their height chair, they’re learning about gravity. When they knock over a block tower, they’re learning cause and effect. These playful actions test their growing understandings about the world.
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Almost everything young children do is purposive. It might look like the purpose is to cause difficulties & chaos, but its real purpose is to explore the world & learn about it - & about us too from how we respond. If we take it this way, and take part in that spirit, everyone can learn & have fun
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Fascinating and inspiring to hear @danwuori.bsky.social talking about *prenatal* learning and interaction Chimes so well with our Words Up messages that midwives and health visitors share with parents
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Dr. Aaron Bradbury @aaronearlyyears.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Why "School Readiness" Shouldn’t Be the Goal for Our Five Year Olds www.early-years-reviews.com/post/why-sch...
early-years-reviews.com
Why "School Readiness" Shouldn’t Be the Goal for Our Five Year Olds
In early childhood education, the term "school readiness" is often used as a benchmark for success. The idea is simple: ensure that children develop the skills needed to seamlessly transition into for...
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elliehxghes.bsky.social @elliehxghes.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
#edpsychs As part of our research on the DEdPsy course at UEL, colleagues and I are seeking participants for our research into EPs’ values and their impact on use of assessment tools. EPs working in the UK are eligible to take part and we would be so grateful! forms.office.com/e/kbDBmm9nWc
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Headteacher Update @headteacherupdate.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
From phonological awareness to oral language to pencil control, @jamesedpsych.bsky.social offers five keys to the early #teaching of reading that will set pupils up for future success buff.ly/4hTfqSw #literacy #schools #teachers #edusky
buff.ly
Five keys to unlocking literacy learning - Headteacher Update
Five ways that teachers can approach reading and writing to support the development of pupil literacy skills
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James McTaggart @jamesedpsych.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Bernadette is an educational psychologist who does amazing work on compassionate leadership, children's rights and participation, equalities, headteacher supervision and more (She's also my heroically patient and kind manager ...) Please can curators of relevant starter packs add her on?
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Pete Henshaw @pwhenshaw.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
If you only read one @headteacherupdate.bsky.social article this week: From phonological awareness to oral language to pencil control, @jamesedpsych.bsky.social offers five keys to the early #teaching of reading that will set pupils up for future success: buff.ly/4hTfqSw #edusky
buff.ly
Five keys to unlocking literacy learning - Headteacher Update
Five ways that teachers can approach reading and writing to support the development of pupil literacy skills
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