Research-Based Approaches to Working with Children OMG
On this page
What is Research-Based Approaches to Working with Children?
"Research-Based Approaches to Working with Children" is a training programme provided to all staff within the School and Community Team. Developed in collaboration with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the Norwich Research School.
The training draws upon key EEF Guidance Reports, including those on:
- Learning Behaviours,
- Improving Social and Emotional Learning in Schools,
- Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning
- Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools.
The content has been carefully curated to reflect evidence-informed practices that support effective engagement and outcomes for children.
How does it work?
The training has been designed to ensure that all members of the School and Community Team adopt a shared language when supporting and working with children and young people. It also promotes a consistent approach across the team in fostering metacognition and self-regulation, utilising modelling and scaffolding strategies to build independence. Furthermore, staff are encouraged to draw on the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) evidence base to develop a Theory of Change, ensuring that support is delivered through the most effective and evidence-informed interventions.
Who can this approach benefit?
All children and young people referred to the School and Community Team will benefit from this approach, as all training content will be embedded within all interventions that are delivered by the School and Community Teams.
How can schools support with the intervention?
Schools have the opportunity to observe Education and Family Workers (EFWs) implementing research-based approaches introduced through this training. By witnessing these strategies in practice, schools can adopt similar methods within their own settings. While EFWs serve as models of effective practice, school staff are encouraged to observe, reflect, and engage in dialogue—asking questions to better understand the rationale behind specific approaches and to seek further guidance where needed.
How can families use the intervention?
Families can observe EFWs supporting children and young people in their home and aim to adopt similar approaches, with support being provided by EFWs on how best to achieve this.
What information is available Nationally?
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving teaching and learning outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged children, through evidence-based approaches. The EEF advances this mission by:
- Summarising research evidence on effective teaching and learning practices.
- Funding the development and evaluation of promising educational programmes.
- Supporting the education sector in the implementation of evidence-informed practices.
Schools can explore the suite of evidence-based resources or guidance reports to support teaching and learning. Visit Education Endowment Foundation | EEF.
What support is available in Norfolk?
In Norfolk, schools and education providers have several opportunities to engage with support from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF):
In June 2025 the EEF was actively seeking schools across Norfolk to participate in a range of research projects spanning Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 education. These projects focused on:
- Peer-to-peer coaching to enhance maths skills in secondary students.
- Professional development for Year 5 teachers to build a high-quality English curriculum.
- Early Years language programmes using songs, stories, and activities to support children with delayed communication skills
There are expected to be further opportunities for Norfolk Schools following this participation offer.
Funding Opportunities
The EEF typically launches two open funding rounds annually—in Spring and Autumn. Likely focuses would be:
- Self-regulation and executive function in early years.
- Teacher recruitment and retention.
- Effective use of research in practice
Eligible organisations include any legally constituted body working with children and young people aged 2 to 19. Applications must align with at least one of the priority areas, and there are no fixed limits on funding amounts .
If you're part of a school or educational organisation in Norfolk, these opportunities offer valuable ways to engage with evidence-based practice and contribute to the wider educational research landscape.
Further information is available. Visit Education Endowment Foundation | EEF or www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk.
Key Contacts
- Speak with your school's Community Team Manager or Early Help Consultant.
- Contact the SEND and Inclusion Line at 0333 313 7165.
- Raise the topic at your Team Around the School (TAS) meeting to discuss suitability and next steps.
