A previous process evaluation of Hanen LLLI published in April 2022 found that surveyed participants reported they would prefer a mixed delivery mode for both training sessions and video feedback sessions. The Hanen Centre (based in Canada) has since developed materials so the training could be provided flexibly. The EEF wished to evaluate whether a mixture of online and face to face training delivery was feasible and if it was suitable for both Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) and maintained settings. NatCen was commissioned to evaluate this pilot intervention ahead of the 2022 – 23 efficacy trial, so findings could inform the trial.

This pilot evaluation found that a mixed-mode of delivery for Hanen LLLI was met with positive feedback from participants. Some barriers to implementation mostly applied to the online sessions, which included: some participants feeling they had low confidence with technology, technical issues and distractions external to the training. In most cases, these barriers were overcome through preparation in advance of sessions and ultimately did not lead to attrition. There was no key differences observed between how PVI and maintained settings engaged with the mixed-mode delivery of Hanen LLLI.

Capacity and approaches for cascading were also assessed during the pilot evaluation. Trained educators used a range of strategies to intentionally cascade learning to non-trained practitioners within their settings. Just over half of the survey respondents confirmed that they regularly used the Padlet resource provided to them to cascade learning. Qualitative fieldwork found that settings had intentions of structured cascading to the wider team through training sessions in the autumn, rather than while the intervention was in progress. The main conditions that enabled this learning to be cascaded within settings were buy-in and curiosity from non-trained practitioners, and opportunities for trained and non-trained practitioners to co-deliver sessions with children.

The findings from this pilot evaluation have been used to inform improvements to the Hanen LLLI programme for the 2022 efficacy trial. Findings are also being used to consider the sustainability and scalability of mixed-mode delivery of Hanen LLLI training. The pilot involved six workshops and six video feedback sessions, whereas the main trial will involve eight workshops. This study found that the training length and dosage piloted is sufficient to deliver the core course content. However, there were optional exercises and videos in workshops that were almost always cut from the agenda due to time constraints.

The efficacy trial of LLLI began in settings in November 2022 and we expect the findings from this project to be reported in Spring 2024 on this webpage.