In the field of student research more appears to have been published about work undertaken with, and by, secondary-aged researchers than younger children. These examples often reflect the need many schools feel to develop this work outside of curriculum time or with small groups of confident or academically capable young people.

In a number of schools the HCD Student Partnership has contact with there appears to be a growing interest in developing the research skills of younger children. 'Developing the skills of seven- and eight-year-old researchers: a whole class approach' explores the possibilities and benefits of supporting the development of social research skills with a class of thirty seven- and eight-year-old children in one English primary school over a period of seven afternoons. Conceptually the work is located within literature on pupil voice while the methodology draws on an action research approach. Pupils were introduced to a social research process, including a carousel of fun and active data collection methods, and supported in undertaking their own group research projects. Data were drawn from lesson evaluations, pupils' reports and responses about their experience through interviews and questionnaires. The paper concludes it is possible and beneficial for Year 3 pupils to engage in social research and considers some wider ethical, practical and safeguarding issues.

Frost, R. (2007) 'Developing the skills of seven- and eight-year-old researchers: a whole class approach', Educational Action Research, Vol. 15: 3, September, pp. 441-458