What is the aim of this survey, the panels and the subsequent report?
SENsational Tutors has developed this survey and the two open discussion panels to provide a space for discussion around the Schools White Paper (also referred to as the SEND White Paper) and its proposed SEND reforms. We want to provide a space for individuals impacted by the potential reforms to share their views in a constructive environment.
This survey will provide data for the report, helping the readers (e.g., the media/government) to see the scale of the responses. Completing this survey can add your perspective to the discussion and ensure your voice is heard. Responses to the survey will be pseudo-anonymised.
There are no right or wrong answers – all perspectives are welcome.
The aim of the report is to answer these research questions: How do individuals affected by the Schools White Paper feel about its impact? Additionally, what are their main concerns and what (if anything) do they want to see done differently?
Why have I been invited to participate in this survey?
You have been invited to participate as you have registered interest in this panel and its subsequent report.
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can withdraw from the project at any time, with no questions asked. Withdrawal will not affect any existing relationship with SENsational Tutors or access to its services.
What will I be required to do?
You will be required to complete an online survey, which will ask about your views on the white paper, as well as several demographic questions, including your school type and local authority. This information is necessary to understand the context of your answers, e.g., whether participants’ perspectives are consistent across different local authorities.
After completing the survey, you can also attend the two online panels on the 25th March and 9th April. These panels are 90 minutes each, and will be run on Teams. There are no set expectations for panel participants/attendees.
Several planned panellists (listed on this page) will discuss their perspectives, and there will also be time for attendees to join in the discussion with video, audio and/or text, if they feel comfortable. You can use this as an opportunity to share about your views and experiences in more detail, if you wish. However, there is no expectation to participate in the panel discussions, and you can just watch if you prefer. There is no obligation to have your video or microphone on.
How will my data be stored and processed?
Data will be stored securely in line with GDPR requirements. The platform used to host the survey and panels, Microsoft Teams, is also GDPR-compliant. You can read their policy here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/privacy/privacystatement
The data will be reviewed by the lead researcher (Milly Allinson, PR & Blog Content Lead, SENsational Tutors) and potentially a secondary researcher (Dr. Kiera Adams) for the analysis and production of the report to be sent to the media and Department for Education. Quotes or paraphrased statements from the panels may be used in the final report. Participants will be pseudonymised in the report.
Raw survey data will not be transmitted to any external party. Raw survey data will be downloaded from Teams to be stored, pseudo-anonymised and analysed in password-protected documents within our secure One Drive. The final pseudo-anonymised report will be submitted to journalists and the DfE, and potentially shared on social media. Pseudo-anonymised survey data will be deleted five years after the completion of the project. Personal data (e.g.: participant contact details) will be pseudo-anonymised, which means it will be stored in a secure, password-protected document in our secure One Drive, and linked to a unique participant code. This code will be used to identify your survey data, which will be stored in another password protected document on the One Drive, should you wish to have it removed.
The full recordings of the panel discussions will be used for transcription and analysis only. However, select clips may be used on social media with participants’ explicit permission, including a highlights video to be uploaded to YouTube. Before any clip (or the highlights video) is published, any participants concerned will be contacted, shown the specific clip, provided with details about where it will be published and how long it will be live, and asked to provide explicit written consent. Before publication, all content will be reviewed to ensure no third parties, including children, are identifiable from the footage. Please note that the social media clips and YouTube highlights video may remain live indefinitely and participants can request removal of their clips at any time.
Declining will have no effect on how your research contribution is used, and your anonymity in the report will remain fully intact regardless of your decision. Participants may withdraw consent for the use of their recorded footage at any time by contacting Milly Allinson at milly@sensationaltutors.co.uk.
What is the data withdrawal deadline?
If you would like to request your data to be removed from the report, please contact milly@sensationaltutors.co.uk by Wednesday 15th April. After this point, the pseudo-anonymised data will be incorporated within the report and full removal may not be possible.
Please note that this deadline applies to your survey and panel discussion data within the report only. Consent for the use of your recorded footage in social media clips or the YouTube highlights video is separate and can be withdrawn at any time by contacting milly@sensationaltutors.co.uk. Removal requests will be actioned within five working days. Please be aware that once content has been published, we cannot guarantee the removal of any copies made by third parties prior to takedown.
Are there any benefits if I participate?
Yes, there are some benefits. This survey and the two panels provide an opportunity for you to share your views about the Schools White Paper and potential SEND reforms.
As the report will be sent on to the Department for Education and the wider media, it also provides an opportunity to potentially shape public conversation.
Are there any risks if I participate?
There are minimal risks of participating in this research. However, risks to be aware of include:
The survey and panel will involve discussion of the potential impact of the Schools White Paper on SEND children. As this discussion explores something that affects children’s lives, it may be distressing for some participants. Resources are available if you find the discussion distressing or would like emotional support :
IPSEA Advice Line: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/advice-line
National Autistic Society Parent to Parent Emotional Support Service: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support/parent-to-parent-helpline
Contact, the charity for families with disabled children: https://contact.org.uk/
Please note that you can refuse to answer any questions or stop speaking on any subject at any point, if you wish.
The panels will involve a level of social interaction and discussion, so may contribute to social fatigue. We would recommend giving yourself time to relax immediately after the session.
Complaints Procedure
If you wish to make a complaint about this study, please use the contacts below:
Primary complaints contact:
Joanna Gibbs, SENsational Tutors CEO – joanna@sensationaltutors.co.uk
General enquiries and questions:
Milly Allinson, Lead Researcher – milly@sensationaltutors.co.uk
