Gatekeepers are an integral part of an ethical process of seeking authorisation for research. The number of gatekeepers, and the negotiations between researchers and gatekeepers, become more complex for research which includes children and young people (CYP) and other vulnerable groups. Ethical researchers and gatekeepers share a desire to protect CYP from harm. This paper examines the multifaceted nature of gatekeepers and the positive and negative influences upon their decision-making. The traditional view of the gatekeeper, as benevolent protector, has been challenged within literature. Indeed, gatekeepers are sometimes presented as being predisposed to take an antagonistic stance towards research proposals, owing to a heightened anxiety regarding risks of harm for CYP. This is problematic for researchers endeavouring to plan proactively for seeking permissions from gatekeepers. This paper offers a novel contribution to these debates with a model of the strata of gatekeepers, designed to support researchers with those proactive preparations. This paper focuses on the educational context, but nevertheless contributes to the debates across wider fields of study, working to mitigate vulnerable participants becoming marginalised on topics which are salient to them.

This research focuses on the impact of the context of Covid-19 on the role of the SENCo in English schools. The SENCo's role is a contested field; however, the current Special Educational Needs Code of Practice identifies 11 key areas of SENCos' work. A widely distributed survey was used to access the voice of SENCos across the country, and received 26 responses. Data were analysed using a realistic evaluation framework to identify the impact of Covid-19 on the work of the SENCo. The research indicated that practice in this context had changed in some key areas, and also identified three new aspects of the SENCo role. These point to the need to revise policy and guidance relating to the SENCo being part of the senior leadership team, providing emotional support for adults, and engaging in practical pedagogical activities.

Some children may only be able to express feelings of anxiety, frustration, stress or sadness through angry behaviours, which may prove challenging for schools (Barnes et al., 2016; Shechtman and Tutian, 2016). This is problematic when considered in relation to research evidence highlighting the negative impact such behaviours may have upon social relationships and academic outcomes (Sloan et al., 2017). The aims of this study were to explore whether a tailored emotional literacy programme can be used effectively to extend children's emotional lexicon and strategies for the self-management of behaviours. Three children with social-emotional difficulties were taught in twelve weekly sessions. The findings from this study suggests the positive benefits of using a programme tailored to meet a child's specific needs (rather than a programme without any adaptations), which may be an effectual tool in supporting children to change established patterns of negative behaviours.

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