Parent Learning Groups in Alternative Provision: A Mixed-Methods Study of Psychoeducation, Mentalization, and Peer Support for Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental and Conduct Difficulties

These preliminary findings indicate that a school-based parent learning group combining psychoeducation, mentalization-based practice and peer support is feasible and associated with meaningful improvements in parental reflective functioning and self-efficacy. Parent narratives of transformed relational practices and shifts from reactive to reflective engagement echo broader literature demonstrating that group-delivered mentalization-oriented programmes can enhance reflective capacities and caregiving quality in diverse family contexts. The school setting may extend the reach of such interventions to families not engaged with clinical services and support collaborative parent-school partnerships. Future research should employ larger, controlled designs, incorporate observational and child outcome measures, and explore scalability across educational contexts.