A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of Zippy's Friends, a Social and Emotional Learning Program

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Abstract

Zippy's Friends is a school-based program delivered on a whole-class basis, and aims to develop coping and social skills among young children. This study aimed to assess the impact of the program on reading attainment, emotional self-regulation, self-regulated learning and social skills among 6-7-year-olds in England. Schools recruited to the trial (n=83) were randomly allocated to one of two arms: an intervention arm (which delivered the program with Year 2 classes) and a control arm (which continued as normal). Pre-testing was conducted prior to randomization, and post-testing was completed in June 2017 in 82 of the original schools (99% retention). Main effects and subgroup analysis are currently underway to assess the impact of the program.

Authors

• Seaneen Sloan, University College Dublin

• Aideen Gildea, Queen's University

• Sarah Miller, Queen's University - Belfast

• Allen Thurston, Queen's University Belfast