Implementing primary social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) small group interventions: Recommendations for practitioners

This article presents an extended vignette describing a good practice model for implementing SEAL small group work at 'Mellington Primary', a fictional school. The vignette/model was developed from in-depth case studies at five primary schools in the north-west of England during a national evaluation of primary SEAL by the authors. The case studies comprised interviews and/or focus groups with pupils, staff and parents, observations of small group sessions and other settings, and document analysis. Key principles of effective small group work implementation presented in the model include allocation of sufficient time and space, a triangulated referral procedure for children, providing additional support outside of the intervention setting and making explicit links with whole-school SEAL work. Recommendations are made for the future development of SEAL small group work, including increasing the length and intensity of interventions and engaging in additional work with parents.