Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are inviting schools across Berkshire to participate in a research study evaluating SPENCER, the pioneering profiling tool developed to help educators more accurately understand and support the individual strengths and needs of their pupils.

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See Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's press release here.

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In response to the October 2024 report by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, which advocates for a more child-focused and needs-led system of support, Spencer 3D is working in close partnership with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Reading to support the evaluation of the SPENCER profiling tool. SPENCER encourages early identification of support needs across a broad spectrum of developmental domains including social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and environmental factors; placing the child’s lived experience and strengths at the centre.

What is SPENCER?
SPENCER is a digital profiling tool that enables teachers and other professionals to observe and record pupil behaviour and characteristics in real-world contexts. These observations are then translated into an individual profile, identifying areas of strength and need. The platform offers tailored strategies and evidence-informed resources designed to be easily implemented by teachers, parents, and other professionals supporting the young person.

The core purpose of SPENCER is to facilitate intervention at the earliest possible stage by helping schools and organisations that work with young people to swiftly identify needs, implement appropriate support, and, where necessary, guide children toward specialist services. It supports the development of inclusive practice by equipping educators with structured, accessible recommendations for adaptive and responsive teaching.

To date, the tool has been completed for over 230 pupils, with positive outcomes reported by teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary professionals. One teacher shared:
“Ofsted were impressed with SPENCER and how it is implemented in the school to meet the needs of each individual student and supports the monitoring of each student’s progress over time.”

Dr Bryn Williams, Clinical Director and Founder of Spencer 3D, commented:
“SPENCER has been 10 years in development and emerged from the voices of families and professionals asking for practical support where none was available. It was created to describe need in meaningful terms and offer practical strategies in response. At its core, SPENCER considers the whole child, seeking to build resilience and reduce barriers to learning. We are delighted to be working with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Reading to ensure the tool is robustly evaluated and continues to grow in its effectiveness.”

We are now seeking more schools in Berkshire to take part in this important research. By participating, schools will be contributing to the development of a tool designed to promote equitable, needs-led support in education and beyond.

To register your school’s interest or to find out more, please contact: info@spencereducation.co.uk

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