Exploring the Implementation of a Motor Skills Training Programme to Enhance Motor Development and Fitness in Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs in Special School Settings

Summary

In Northern Ireland, the number of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) rose by 51% from 2017 to 2024, and the number in special schools grew by 25%.

These children and young people have profound learning disabilities or complex support needs and often experience health challenges and barriers to everyday participation, including education and daily activities.

Physical activity (PA) is essential for health, development, and wellbeing, but children with SEN are less active than their peers without SEN and less likely to take part in physical activities. These gaps tend to widen as children get older.

A promising way to address this is by improving children’s physical literacy (PL). This refers to the motivation, confidence, knowledge and skills to take part in physical activity.

Studies suggest that children with higher PL are more likely to be active. However, children with SEN often have lower levels of PL, and we know little about how best to support them in this area.

Parents and schools can play a vital role providing encouragement and opportunities to be active.

There are a number of PL programmes to support PL and motor skills in children, however, the next step is to explore how this programme could also work for children with SEN and complex needs, and engage parents and families more directly.

Aim:

To explore the impact of a school based PL programme for children with SEN in special school settings, with and without parental involvement.

Objectives:

1. Review existing research on motor skill programmes in special education, focusing on implementation.
2. Explore factors influencing experience with the programme for children, teachers, classroom assistants, and families.
3. To identify adaptations needed to roll the programme out more widely.
4. Implement and evaluate the adapted PL programme.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period