Brief Description – The quantitative study followed the outcomes of children during their time at the Mulberry Bush in order to focus on the changes in children’s socio-emotional development, behaviour, educational achievement and attachment whilst at the MBS. Four cohorts of pupils were followed (23 boys and 13 girls), each for a consecutive 3-year period. 

Key Findings 

• Children made significant academic improvement 

• Pupils made significant progress in emotional development 

• During their time children had significantly fewer incidents of aggression and anti-social behaviour

• Pupils were increasingly able to self-regulate 

• The picture was less clear regarding attachment style 

Publication – Gutman, L.M., Vorhaus, J., Burrows, R. and Onions, C. (2018). A longitudinal study of children’s outcomes in a residential special school. Journal of Social Work Practice, Routledge, 32:4:409–421. 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02650533.2018.1503162 

https://www.growkudos.com/projects/a-longitudinal-study-of-childrens-outcomes-in-a-residential-special-school 

For a copy of the full report please email Caryn Onions [email protected]