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| SUNFIELD RESEARCH INSTITUTE |
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In January 2005 Sunfield was proud to be the first school in the country to launch its very own research institute. This was a celebration of the extent to which research at Sunfield has become embedded in the evidence-based practice of our organisation.
All practice at Sunfield is rooted in a family centred and child-focused perspective but also reflects the ways in which we develop our own professional skills. We believe research is the life blood of good practice and that working together as a trans-disciplinary team is key to ensuring we tread this path together.
See details of our past and current research projects.
Our aims:
- to develop our understanding of the nature and impact of severe and complex learning difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorder
- to find new and improved ways of supporting our young people and their families
How do we do this?
- Participatory Research - we believe in conducting research which is participatory and involves all the key stakeholders. This ensures that everyone involved in the research has a voice. All levels of enquiry are carried out alongside people in ways which are empowering. This is particularly important for students with severe and complex learning difficulties whose views are rarely sought and who have powerful messages and experiences to share with us.
- Trans-disciplinary Approach - we seek to involve all departments within the organisation in ways which ensure our professionals share their expertise and build upon their own skills.Collaboration with Experts - we ensure that research at Sunfield is conducted in collaboration with experts or specialists where this will inform our practice. For example, we are currently exploring the effects of diet upon children with autism. This work is being carried out in connection with experts in nutrition from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London.
Funding
Many research projects conducted at Sunfield are funded by external organisations such as the NHS and various Charitable Trusts. In addition, there is funding from within Sunfield to facilitate a number of structures of support.
Research & Ethics Committee
Sunfield has its own Research & Ethics Committee which meets regularly to review, monitor and discuss current, or proposed, research projects. This committee consists of representatives from each discipline within the organisation including Health, Education, Psychology & Therapies, Appeals, Staff Development, Family Services, Assessment & Outreach and is overseen by the Director of Research and the Chair of Trustees. All research directly involving students is discussed with the Student Council which comprises elected members representing the views of the young people.
Support for Research
Sunfield has a number of structures of support including:
- a research policy
- a code of ethical conduct
- research scholarships
- comprehensive staff library including journals
- research briefing sheets
Dissemination
It is important that we share the outcomes and findings of any research conducted with those who will gain benefit. We hold internal forums for dissemination by groups or individuals conducting research which are attended by staff from all departments, and we also present at national conferences. We have a large number of articles published in current journals such as Good Autism Practice and British Journal of Special Education, copies of which are available for a small charge through our Publications department.
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Sunfield, Woodman Lane, Clent, near Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 9PB Tel: 01562 882253
All website content and images ©Sunfield 2006 |
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