Research and Evaluations
Since 2010, the Skills for Life programmes have been regularly and rigorously evaluated by independent researchers and universities through comparative and randomized controlled studies designed to measure the impact of the program on children’s behaviour and social and emotional skills.
This research has been conducted across 6 different countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Czech Republic and The Netherlands. Our evidence base means we have been recognised by many organisations, included on databases and cited in many reports.
Evidence of impact
The results from the evaluation studies have been remarkably consistent, and have shown:
Better social skills
Reduced bullying
Improved group climate
Increased emotional literacy
Increased coping skills and resilience
Research summaries
Read about the evidence base for the Skills for Life programmes:
Zippy's Friends and Apple's Friends
Zippy's Friends for Pupils with SEND
Current and future research projects
We are delighted that the Skills for Life programmes are currently involved in the following UK research projects:
- We are delighted to share that we now have the summary of the evaluation study carried out by the University of Birmingham into our Zippy's Friends for SEND programme. The study focussed on the implementation of the whole programme over the course of an academic year, exploring the possibility of a wider full feasibility study to evaluate the impact of Zippy’s Friends for SEND. The study concluded that "The program shows promise in improving emotional literacy and mental health among children with learning disabilities, addressing a critical gap in support for this population."
- The University of Manchester, funded by The Kavli Trust are currently carrying out a major trial of Passport with 60 primary schools: Study to examine effects of children’s life skills programme (manchester.ac.uk)
The study is called Passport to Success. You can find out more information here.
