Ms Kathryn Plant
School of Health & Society
Current positions
PhD research student
Biography
I have over a decade of experience working with looked-after children in educational settings. As Deputy Head of an independent special school, I was responsible for designing and implementing bespoke education plans for young people aged 11–16. My practice focused on developing innovative and flexible teaching approaches to re-engage students who had become disengaged from formal education, with a strong emphasis on building trust and fostering a sense of achievement.
Alongside my teaching experience, my background in occupational therapy brings an occupation-focused lens, underpinned by clinical reasoning and a growing research skillset. This combination uniquely positions me to undertake meaningful qualitative research with looked-after children and young people.
I am currently a full-time PhD student within the Doctoral School, where I aim to integrate my expertise in education, occupational therapy, and research to improve educational outcomes for looked-after children.
Despite experiencing higher rates of school exclusion, lower attendance, and increased additional learning needs, the educational experiences of looked-after children—particularly those living in residential care—remain under-researched. This is especially concerning given the significant inequalities they face; national data indicates that only 7.2% of looked-after pupils achieve a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and mathematics.
My doctoral research, Exploring the Educational Experiences of Looked-After Young People Living in Residential Care, uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to centre the voices of six participants and develop rich, in-depth accounts of their lived experiences. The study explores how young people interpret their relationships with teachers and peers, and how their schooling experiences shape their sense of belonging, identity, confidence, and aspirations. By foregrounding young people’s perspectives, this research aims to inform more relational and responsive educational practices across schools and social care systems, contributing to ongoing policy discussions on supporting looked-after children.
Areas of Research
My research research interests include understanding how young people experience education beyond attainment measures, including their sense of belonging, identity, confidence, and engagement within different educational contexts.
I have a particular interest in relational and inclusive approaches to education, exploring how relationships with teachers, peers, and support staff influence confidence and self-esteem, educational engagement and outcomes. I also have an interest in how different educational environments influence the above.
Methodologically, I am interested in qualitative research approaches that centre lived experience, particularly Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), and in amplifying the voices of marginalised groups within education and social care systems.
More broadly, my research interests span the intersection of education, occupational therapy, and social care, with a focus on informing policy and practice to reduce educational inequalities and improve outcomes for looked after children and young people.
I am an affiliate of the Â׸£ÀûƬ occasionally supporting the Occupational Therapy BSc and MSc teaching team with lectures and workshops.
Qualifications
-
PhD
2025 -
Occupational Therapy Degree (Hons)
2022 - 2025