Jan comments on Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission State of the Nation report
News article from December 18, 2015
We welcome the focus that the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission have placed on improving support for parents in their 2015 State of the Nation report.
As the report highlights, ‘too often the focus is placed on schools as the mediator of the large attainment gap, when the vast majority of that gap is explained by home and individual factors.’
Under half of children from disadvantaged backgrounds are ready for school at age five and there is still a significant gap in attainment in GCSE results.
Jan Tallis, Chief Executive of School-Home Support said:
“Schools have a vital part to play in raising the attainment of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, so that all children have the opportunity to thrive. But this cannot be done in the classroom alone. Schools need to engage effectively with parents, getting them involved in the learning process and raising their own aspirations.
This isn’t just a job for schools; services from health to housing, and criminal justice to children’s centres need to work together in a joined up way to tackle the barriers that prevent pupils and their parents from engaging fully in their education.
I welcome the Commission’s recommendation to establish an innovation fund to help improve parenting skills. Supporting parents with these vital skills is a key part of our work with families and we see the impact this has on the whole family’s wellbeing and the children’s engagement at school.”
You can read the full report on the Commission’s website.