CSS Joins the Essex Research Schools Network

We’re delighted to announce that CSS has been invited to join the Essex Research Schools Network, part of the national EEF Research Schools Network. The Research Schools Network is a collaboration of schools across England, supported by the Education Endowment Foundation, working to champion the use of evidence to improve teaching and learning, particularly for socio‑economically disadvantaged pupils. Becoming part of this network raises our profile locally and nationally and places CSS within a community committed to high‑quality, evidence‑informed practice.

Our Focus: Games as Intentional Practice for Behaviour Regulation

At CSS, we are developing a research‑informed project exploring how structured games can be used intentionally to support emotional and behavioural regulation. This approach aims to build a team of reflective practitioners who work collaboratively, use evidence to guide decisions, and refine strategies that meet the needs of our pupils. This aligns strongly with the Research Schools Network’s mission to help schools access, understand, and apply evidence to improve outcomes for young people.

What Joining the Research Schools Network Means for CSS

Our involvement will give us:

• Access to national expertise in evidence‑based practice
• Support to evaluate and refine our behaviour‑games project
• Opportunities to share our work with other schools across the region and country
• A platform to showcase the innovative, trauma‑informed practice happening at CSS

About Essex Research Schools and the National Network

Research Schools work with schools, colleges, and early years settings to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice, offering training, resources, and school‑to‑school support to help implement evidence effectively. Since the network began in 2016, over 11,000 schools—almost half of all schools in England—have accessed support from their local Research School. Essex Research Schools play a key role in this national effort, helping schools across the region embed approaches that are proven to make a difference.

For further information, please contact Gill Power - Head of Research

Please email Gill : gillian.power@css-essex.co.uk