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Discover key findings from the UK Parent Study, part of the Research Simplified series. Explore insights from the UK Parent Study today. Screen Time & Toddlers What does research really say about toddler screen time? This resource breaks down a UK study exploring how parents of children aged 0–3 manage and think about digital media use in everyday family life. The research explored how families approach screen use at home, including the rules, routines, supervision, and decision-making that shape children’s experiences with digital devices. Rather than focusing only on screen time limits, the study examined how parents balance potential risks and benefits in real-life situations. Findings suggest that many parents are actively and thoughtfully managing screen use - often focusing on the quality of content, shared interaction, supervision, and context, rather than simply the amount of time spent on screens. The study also highlights that screens are often used as tools for learning, entertainment, connection, and support within busy family life. 📚 This summary highlights what the research found, what different types of parental mediation look like in practice, and why balance, interaction, and shared experiences matter. 📌 Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional supporting young children, this offers a balanced and accessible starting point for understanding screen use in the early years. 📎 Dive into the findings, share with your friends, and join us in making research easier to access, understand, and use. 🔗 Want to explore the full study? Parental mediation of very young children’s digital media use.

On this page you will find a list of publications and news updates from RECAP. Publications & News Publication : Article published with The Conversation on Home Education: Why are so many parents choosing it over mainstream school. Link Here Attended ChildCare Expo show, 2024, in London. Attended The Nursery World 2024 Show in London. Publication : Article accepted with SAGE Publications: 'Using Literature Reviews to Research Marginalized Groups: The Case of Research on Carers in Higher Education '. - (Open Access Link ) Attended the Mothers at Home Matter (MAHM) conference on Mothering Identity. Event presentation : Attended the SRHE conference in December 2023 and presented two papers: 'Doing the dirty work of academia? Ancillary staff in higher education' and 'Making connections between research and ancillary staff experiences in higher education'. Event presentation : 'Parent, Teacher...or both? The dual role of the home educator ' presented at Anglia Ruskin University PGR research conference. Media event: Spoke on the Teachers Talk Radio podcast : GCSEs as a Home-Educated Student. (Link to Podcast) Event presentation : Attended the BERA annual conference and presented work on ' Exploring the experiences of home-educated families’ access to GCSE level qualifications and the barriers they face.' Publication: Article accepted into SAGE Open journal: 'Teacher Perspectives on primary-secondary transition projects during the COVID-19 pandemic ' - ( Open Access link .) Home Education: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges - presented at the ARU annual research conference: Research and Public Value. May 2023 Publication : Abstract accepted for the BERA annual conference in September 2023 - presenting author on the project: 'Exploring the experiences of home-educated families’ access to GCSE level qualifications and the barriers they face.' Publication : Article accepted into the International Journal of Educational & Life Transitions (IJELT): 'Widening access for Home-Educated Applicants to Higher Education Institutes. ' ( Open Access link ). Event presentation : Presented Home Education research at the launch of a university initiative, Safe & Inclusive Communities. Funding awarded at ARU for new project: 'Exploring the experiences of home-educated families’ access to GCSE level qualifications and the barriers they face.' Media event : Spoke on the Teachers Talk Radio Podcast - Home Education: The what, why and how. ( Link to podcast ) Publication : Article accepted into Review of Education journal: 'Through a glass, darkly: Gazing into the field of carers in academia. ( Open access link ) Publication: Article accepted for the Encyclopedia of Social Justice: Gender and Sexuality with my piece titled Homeschooling and Mothering Work. ( In production - link to follow ) Event presentation : Presented findings for 'Widening access for Home-Educated Applicants to Higher Education Institutes' at the Chelmsford Science Festival.

Discover Dr. Amanda Gummer's expertise as an advisory board member. Learn how her insights benefit our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Dr Amanda Gummer Research psychologist and CEO, FUNdamentally Children Research Panel 2011-2014 University Name This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle. 2007-2010 University Name This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle. Dr Amanda Gummer is a research psychologist and leading authority on children’s play, parenting, and child development. She is the founder and CEO of Fundamentally Children, home of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide, and serves as the independent chair of the Association of Play Industries. Amanda also holds non-executive and advisory roles across several mission-led organisations, including Families in Focus CIC. With a PhD in neuropsychology and over two decades of experience working with children and families, Amanda is widely recognised as the UK’s go-to expert on play. Her book Play has been internationally published, and she is a trusted ambassador for the Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative. Amanda has developed major accreditation frameworks for the toy industry, including the STEAM and MESH Toy programs, and is the UK Chapter Chair of Women in Toys, a global network supporting women in the toy and entertainment sectors. She continues to contribute to academic research, present at international conferences, and influence public policy, having shared her Balanced Play Model at the European Parliament in 2019. A regular media contributor, Amanda is dedicated to championing play as a vital component of child development worldwide.

Discover how to get involved with RECAP's work for parents in Chelmsford, UK. Learn how you can participate and support education initiatives. Get Involved as a Parent At RECAP, parents are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to make research and evidence accessible, practical, and relevant to family life — and that starts with listening to you. By getting involved, you’ll help shape how research is shared, make sure it reflects real family experiences, and connect with a community that values trusted information and shared understanding. 💬 Join the RECAP Parent Panel Our Parent Panel brings together parents and caregivers from a wide range of backgrounds to share insights, experiences, and honest feedback. As a panel member, you can: Take part in short surveys or online discussions about family life and parenting topics Review upcoming RECAP content to ensure it feels relevant and accessible Help shape future projects, resources, and events Be part of a community influencing how research reaches families You don’t need to be an expert — just a parent or caregiver with lived experience and a willingness to share your thoughts. 🎙 Share Your Story We know that behind every piece of research are real people and real stories. If you have personal experiences or reflections connected to topics we cover — from education and wellbeing to relationships and health — we’d love to help you share them. You can contribute by: Taking part in a podcast episode or video feature Writing or co-authoring a short parent perspective piece Joining a panel discussion with researchers or practitioners Your story could help others feel seen, supported, and informed. 🧠 Attend a Webinar or Event We regularly host free and low-cost webinars on topics that matter most to families — from mental health and learning to digital wellbeing and parenting confidence. By taking part, you’ll: Hear directly from researchers and practitioners Gain practical, evidence-based tips for family life Be part of a community of curious, reflective parents 💡 Ready to Get Involved? Whether you’d like to join the Parent Panel, share your story, or simply find out more about how RECAP works with families — we’d love to hear from you. ✨ Let’s chat about how you can take part! Book a free 30-minute call with our team to explore how your experiences can help shape RECAP’s work. 👉 Book your free chat here Or simply complete the form below Together, we can build stronger connections between research and real family life and make sure parents’ voices are at the centre of it all. Contact Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

RECAP Ltd offer a range of First Aid training packages to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for face to face, online or a blended version of the two, we can help you. Research Consultancy & Delivery RECAP works with clients to provide research consultancy and advice on projects, as well as delivering specific aspects of the research process. We support organisations, researchers, and partners to design and deliver research that is both robust and meaningful - ensuring that findings are not only credible, but also accessible and applicable in real-world contexts. Our approach is collaborative and flexible. Whether you need input at the early design stage or support with specific elements of an existing project, we work alongside you to strengthen the quality, relevance, and impact of your research. Grounded in strong methodological expertise and a deep understanding of family, education, and social research, RECAP brings together academic rigour with a commitment to clarity and practical application. What to Expect Collaborative support tailored to your project needs A balance of methodological rigour and real-world relevance Clear, transparent processes and communication throughout Outputs that are accessible, meaningful, and usable beyond academia A focus on ethical, evidence-informed practice Areas of Support RECAP can support across the research process, including: Research design and project development Survey and tool design Fieldwork and data collection (including engagement with families and communities) Qualitative Data analysis Evaluation and impact assessment Translating findings into accessible outputs (reports, summaries, content) Let’s Work Together If you’re looking for research support that combines academic expertise with a focus on real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to explore how RECAP can support your project. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Confidence for Every Stage of Childhood RECAP Parent First Aid Workshops Emergencies don’t happen in training rooms - they happen in kitchens, gardens, playgrounds and living rooms. When something unexpected happens, parents are usually the first responder. Having basic first aid knowledge - and the confidence to use it - can make all the difference. RECAP Parent First Aid Workshops are designed to make that knowledge accessible, practical and reassuring. Our workshops strip away medical jargon, focus on real-life scenarios, and create a calm, supportive space to practise the skills that matter most. First aid doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or clinical - it can be clear, empowering and even enjoyable to learn. Below, you’ll find our range of parent first aid workshops, designed to support families at every stage - from baby to teen. Currently running pilot sessions at a reduced rate 👶 Baby Basics (0–12 Months) For new and expecting parents, this session focuses on the moments that matter most in the early months - from CPR to choking and fevers. Build calm, practical confidence from day one. Find out More... 🧒 Primary Years Safety (5–12 Years) As independence grows, so do the risks. Learn how to respond to injuries, manage common conditions, and make calm decisions as your child becomes more active. Find out More... 🌿 Family First Aid (All Ages) A practical, all-round session for families with children of different ages. Learn the core skills to respond confidently to emergencies across every stage of childhood. Find out More... 🚼 Toddler Safety (1–5 Years) Toddlers move fast and accidents can happen just as quickly. This session helps you confidently manage bumps, burns, choking, and everyday emergencies in the early years. Find out More... 🧑 Teenage Years Safety (12–18 Years) Teenagers face different risks - often outside the home. This session prepares you to respond confidently to more serious, fast-moving situations when it matters most. Find out More... To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Browse our catalogue of online training Online Training As a ProTrainings registered centre, here at RECAP Ltd we also offer these online courses through the ProTrainings site. Get 10% off your course with our code: UK-RECAP

🎒 Teenage Years Safety First Aid for teenage years (12-18 Years) Book Now Overview Teenagers are navigating increasing independence, new environments, and greater risk - often outside of your immediate reach. Teenage Years Safety is a practical 2-hour workshop designed to help parents feel prepared for more serious and fast-moving situations. This session focuses on how to respond calmly, think clearly, and take action when it matters most. This is real-life first aid for real-life parenting. This is not a formal paediatric first aid qualification course. It is a parent-focused confidence workshop designed for real-life family settings. Who Is This For? Parents of teenagers Grandparents and carers Carers supporting adolescents No prior experience required. What’s Included Each participant receives: Practical CPR and choking practice Guided demonstrations and supported practice A Teenager Safety Confidence Guide Attendance certificate 1 What You Will Learn During this workshop, you will learn how to: Perform CPR for adolescents Respond to bleeding Manage fainting and collapse Recognise and respond to allergic reactions Understand risk in teenage environments Take control in urgent situations Make calm, confident decisions under pressure 2 Topics Covered Adolescent CPR Serious bleeding Fainting and collapse Allergic reactions Risk awareness Responding calmly in urgent situations 3 How Long Is the Workshop? Duration : 2 hours Format : In-home group session (up to 6 participants included) Delivery style: Interactive, hands-on, scenario-based Larger community and school sessions are available on request. 4 Investment Pilot Offer: £10 per person (minimum of 6 participants) Available until October 2026 Usual price: £195 (up to 6 participants included) Additional participants: £20 per person When shared between 6 parents, this works out at approximately £32 per person.

Discover how 'Research Simplified' at our Chelmsford Education Research Center is enhancing access to research in easy to understand ways At RECAP, we believe that trusted, evidence-based information should be accessible to everyone -especially parents, carers, and educators making everyday decisions for children and young people. Research Simplified is here to bridge the gap between academic research and real life. We take high-quality studies and translate them into clear, practical insights that are easy to understand and apply. No jargon, no confusion -just straightforward explanations rooted in evidence. Whether you're looking to support your child's learning, wellbeing, or development, this section helps you stay informed, confident, and empowered. UK Parent Survey: Key Findings Home-Educated Students and University Access Gaming to support learning in children with Autism What are UK parents really facing right now? We’ve taken one of the largest parent surveys in the UK - conducted by Parentkind and YouGov - and broken it down into clear, bite-sized insights. More families than ever are choosing home education - but how well do university admissions systems support these students? We unpack this small study exploring how easy (or difficult) it is for home-educated young people in England to apply to university. Can games like Minecraft help children with autism stay engaged and learn more effectively in the classroom? This resource breaks down a small-scale but insightful study that explored how gamification - using elements of games in teaching - supported young children with autism (ASD) in mainstream primary schools. Inclusion in the Classroom RSHE for Home Educating Families The Challenges & Benefits of Unschooling What does it really mean to feel included at school and what gets in the way? This resource simplifies a rich study that explored how secondary school students and teachers experience inclusion during lessons. How do families who home educate approach Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and what support do they need? This resource breaks down a UK-based study that explored how home-educating parents teach important RSHE topics at home. What’s it really like to unschool - and why are more families choosing it? This Research Simplified resource explores findings from a global survey of 232 families who use unschooling Screen Time & Early Development Toddler Screen Time What does screen time really mean for young children’s development? This resource breaks down a study exploring the relationship between entertainment screen time (EST) in the early years and children’s response to sound, communication, and social development. What does research really say about toddler screen time? This resource breaks down a UK study exploring how parents of children aged 0–3 manage and think about screen use in everyday life.

👶 Baby Basics Infant First Aid Confidence (0–12 Months) Book Now Overview The first year of your baby’s life brings huge joy and new responsibility. When something unexpected happens, parents are usually the first responder. Baby Basics is a calm, practical 2-hour workshop designed to give you the essential first aid knowledge and confidence you need during your baby’s first year. This session focuses on real-life situations - not medical jargon - and provides hands-on practice in a supportive, relaxed environment. You’ll leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more prepared. This is not a formal paediatric first aid qualification course. It is a parent-focused confidence workshop designed for real-life family settings. Who Is This For? Expectant parents New parents Grandparents Babysitters Parent friendship groups NCT-style groups No prior knowledge required. What’s Included Each participant receives: Hands-on CPR and choking practice Guided demonstrations and supported practice A Baby Basics Confidence Guide Attendance certificate 1 What You Will Learn During this workshop, you will learn how to: Perform infant CPR confidently Respond safely to choking Recognise red flag symptoms in babies Manage fever and understand febrile seizures Monitor head injuries Know when to call 999 and when to seek urgent advice This is about practical confidence, not memorising textbooks. 2 Topics Covered Infant CPR (under 1 year) Infant choking response Fever in babies Febrile seizures Head bumps and falls Emergency decision-making Home safety awareness All content is evidence-informed and delivered in accessible language. 3 How Long Is the Workshop? Duration : 2 hours Format : In-home group session (up to 6 participants included) Delivery style: Interactive, hands-on, scenario-based Larger community and school sessions are available on request. 4 Investment Pilot Offer: £10 per person (minimum of 6 participants) Available until October 2026 Usual price: £195 (up to 6 participants included) Additional participants: £20 per person When shared between 6 parents, this works out at approximately £32 per person.

Discover key findings from the UK Parent Study, part of the Research Simplified series. Explore insights from the UK Parent Study today. Screen Time & Early Development What does screen time really mean for young children’s development? This resource breaks down a study exploring the relationship between entertainment screen time (EST) in the early years and children’s response to sound, communication, and social development. The research looked at how much screen time young children were having, alongside their developing language, attention, and social interaction skills. It explored whether differences in screen use were linked to how children engage with the world around them — particularly how they respond to simple sounds. Findings suggest that higher screen time was associated with lower responsiveness to sound, smaller vocabularies, and reduced social and communication skills. However, the study also highlights the importance of everyday interaction, conversation, and shared experiences in supporting development. 📚 This summary highlights what the research found, what it might mean in practice, and why balance and connection are key. 📌 Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional supporting young children, this offers a clear and balanced starting point for understanding the role of screen time in early development. 📎 Dive into the findings, share with your friends, and join us in making research easier to access, understand, and use. 🔗 Want to explore the full study? An association between auditory responsiveness of children and duration of entertainment screen time in the early years of life.

Discover more about our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Learn about our mission and values. Explore our About Us page today! About Us At RECAP Ltd, our mission is to empower parents, carers, teachers, and professionals with trusted, evidence-based knowledge that supports every stage of a child's education, development, and wellbeing. We aim to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world practice, making knowledge accessible, practical, and transformative for families and communities. We deliver high-quality information and support through a variety of platforms, including videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, articles, books, and both face-to-face and online training. Our content is designed in flexible, bite-sized formats, allowing individuals to access learning easily, at their own pace and convenience. RECAP Ltd is committed to breaking down barriers to knowledge. By making research accessible and relatable, we help promote social mobility and empower individuals to grow in confidence, wellbeing, and contribution to society .At RECAP Ltd, we’re not just sharing knowledge - we’re creating lasting change for families, professionals, and future generations. Our Mission Statement Empower To empower parents and carers with access to trusted, evidence-based knowledge that supports every stage of their child's education, development, and well-being. Impact To amplify the reach and real-world impact of academic research by creating direct pathways between researchers and the families who can benefit from their work. Nurture To nurture and elevate small and medium-sized businesses that offer reliable, valuable, and family-centred services, resources, and products. Transform To break down barriers between research and real life, transforming cutting-edge insights into practical support that strengthens families and communities. Lucie Wheeler RECAP Founding Director , First Aid Instructor & Researcher Lucie is a researcher, PhD student, first aid instructor, author and mother. She is incredibly passionate about sharing research and information to parents, carers, schools/settings and professionals, within the fields of education, child development and parenting. After spending 12 years working in mainstream primary schools, preschools, nurseries, SEND schools and parent & toddler groups, she moved into researching in Higher Education in 2020, and launched RECAP Ltd in 2023. Qualifications : PhD - in progress MA Early Childhood Education BA Early Childhood Professional Studies First Aid at Work Instructor AED Instructor Paediatric First Aid Instructor TQUK Level 3 Award in Education & Training (RQF) Mental Health First Aider DBS Approved Contact me