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Two studies have evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of Zippy’s Friends for Pupils with SEND.

The evidence base for Zippy’s Friends for Pupils with SEND

United Kingdom 2018

Programme: Zippy’s Friends for Pupils with SEND (modules 1 – 3)

Design: Small scale feasibility study

Conducted by: The University of Birmingham

When Conducted: 2014 – 2015

Number of Children: 53 children and young people attending eight special schools

Major findings:

Improvements in children’s:

  • ability to identify and communicate emotions
  • development of coping strategies
  • emotional literacy
  • cooperation with peers

References:

United Kingdom 2024

Programme: Zippy’s Friends for Pupils with SEND (modules 1-6)

Design: A feasibility, cluster, randomised control trial

Conducted by: The University of Birmingham

When Conducted: 2021 – 2022

Number of Children: 53 children (aged 9 – 11 years) attending eight special schools

Major findings:

Improvements in children’s:

  • coping skills and wellbeing
  • empathy
  • listening skills
  • conflict resolution skills

References:

Download a pdf of the Evaluation summaries for Zippy's Friends for Pupils with SEND