10059695The Effectiveness of CalmBrain - An Emotional Regulation Digital Program for Primary SchoolsClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKAn increasing number of children have an over-activated stress response system, resulting in feelings of stress, anxiety, disruption and disengagement -- because children are trying to cope with their 'fight/flight' system. This represents a disconnection between mind and body, which is embodied in behaviour. Well publicised outcomes include: * Increased numbers of children difficult to teach in a classroom * Significant increase in mental health issues * Increased numbers of children accessing CAHMS * Increased numbers of children entering foster or residential care Created by a consultant clinical psychologist, CalmBrain is an innovative digital psychological intervention that benefits all children, especially those who have experienced developmental neglect and/or trauma. Used by primary schools and mental health professionals, CalmBrain's unique scientific approach utilises research incorporated from neuropsychology (Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics: Dr Bruce Perry), attachment theory, and primitive reflexes (child development). It delivers an innovative intervention program that targets presented difficulties (distractibility, disruption, focus, agitation, cooperation, respect, learning difficulty, manageability, calmness and motivation) and tracks progress over time. This groundbreaking and unique approach supports children staying in the classroom without requiring external expertise, which is expensive, under-resourced and difficult to access. CalmBrain is very cost effective and benefits all children. Due to promising reviews from schools that have adopted the approach over the last four years as the product has been developed, CalmBrain is demonstrating the potential to save millions of pounds per annum for schools. A conservative social and economic impact analysis shows schools make a cost saving of £24.92 for every £1 spent on CalmBrain by reducing the cost incurred on counselling and other lower level mental health support. To exploit its potential CalmBrain needs to highlight quantitative data that demonstrates its effectiveness at regulating children and effectively managing mental health. The goal of this project is to measure the outcomes CalmBrain delivers by using assessments which are of high universal validity and reliability to measure effectiveness. The Innovation Funding Service allows us to research this and has two outcomes attached to it: 1\. Measuring how effectively the program addresses children's calmness, whilst improving academic performance and reducing mental health support costs. 2\. Measuring reduced stress in teachers, seen in lower sickness absence, increased job satisfaction and improved wellbeing. It then funds the writing and publication of independent research papers validating the effectiveness of CalmBrain, that provides credibility to expedite adoption by schools that expect to see evidenced outcomes in services they acquire.