Success in adult life is associated with end of school academic attainment, but educational inequality is a major issue in the UK. Contextual background factors and personal attributes associated with student academic attainment have been identified in cross-sectional research. However, there has not been a systematic synthesis of these factors from longitudinal studies particularly with a focus on factors from middle childhood. The aim of this systematic review was to identify factors from middle childhood (6–12 years) that are associated with academic attainment at 15–17 years. Ninety UK studies met the inclusion criteria. Factors identified related to the student, socioeconomic, academic attainment, and the school. The quality of studies was generally rated as poor, and evidence for most factors was sparse, suggesting caution in interpretation. The middle childhood factors with the strongest evidence of association with later attainment were: prior attainment at the student level, student mental health, and gender. Generally, the results supported UK Government guidance on narrowing the education inequality gap although there was a lack of high-quality studies. The findings could be potentially useful for policymakers and schools in making decisions on effective interventions, policy choices, and funding allocations, particularly in the context of a socioecological framework. However, further research is needed in this area.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=136747, identifer: 136747.

The history of bullying research is summarised and the KiVa bullying prevention programme described. KiVa is a whole-school programme with universal and indicated actions for children aged 7 to 15 years in the Finnish comprehensive school system. It was developed at Turku University, Finland, by social psychologist Christina Salmivalli and colleagues. It has demonstrated significant benefits in a large-scale randomised controlled trial and a subsequent roll-out of the programme to 90 per cent of schools in the Finnish comprehensive system (www.kivakoulu.fi/). KiVa is based on research showing the important role played by bystanders in the bullying process. The universal and indicated actions within the programme are described. The universal actions consist of class lessons, whole school actions and a parent website. Evidence from the Finnish trials is summarised.The paper describes the introduction of the programme to the UK in 2012 and the results from the first, psychologist led, UK pilot trial of the programme are reported. Seventeen schools participated in the trial of Unit 2, at the time the only material available in English (for children aged 9 to 11 years), and delivered KiVa lessons to year 5 and/or year 6 pupils. Children completed the online KiVa survey prior to programme commencement and at the end of the school year. Significant reductions were reported in bullying and victimisation. Teachers reported high levels of pupil acceptance and engagement with lessons. The paper concludes with reflections on the role that educational and other applied psychologists can play in further disseminating this programme.

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BackgroundThe benefits of exercise for people with life-limiting conditions are widely recognised. Woodlands Hospice runs a weekly exercise group which is well attended. Feedback is positive and the environment provides more than simply physical benefits. It has become a safe place that instils positivity and humour where patients can share feelings and coping strategies, gain support and strength from their peers and staff, ask for help whether physical, emotional or spiritual and where they can just ‘be’.AimTo further develop this group to enhance the experience for patients. Specifically:Music.To introduce music in the form of a personal group playlist where all patients are involved in sharing a song and a reason for its choice. This music is played during the group and made available to take home.Tai Chi. To teach simple chair based Tai Chi to be practised at the end of each session to promote a calm and contemplative atmosphere.Palliative Outcome Scale (POS). Using this recognised tool on a monthly basis helps patients to discuss any new concerns, allows staff to signpost patients appropriately and streamlines outcomes throughout the hospice.MethodsLiterature review on clinical benefits of Music therapy and Tai ChiConsultation with group membersPractise Tai Chi sessionsMultidisciplinary consultation regarding introduction of POS.ResultsMusicA feeling of ownership and camaraderie promoting discussion ranging from shared memories to the spiritual needs of the presentTai ChiThis new skill has facilitated relaxation, breathing control and aided sleepPOSIts use has identified a gap in care when patients are not accessing other hospice services and ensured their needs are met.ConclusionThe exercise group has proved to be a good leveller with patients feeling confident to share experiences whilst gaining physical and emotional strength.