This from Peter Shreeve on behalf of Isle of Wight branch of the National Education Union. Ed
Commenting on the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) research on the challenges needed to address educational inequalities, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“The IFS states ‘inequalities exist at every stage of education’. They reveal: ‘Just 43% of 16-year-olds eligible for free school meals achieved at least grade 4 in English and maths in 2023, compared with 72% of their better-off peers.’
“This is only one example. It highlights the failure to close the ‘disadvantage gap’ and improve social mobility for the least well off. This gap is huge and has remained virtually unchanged for the past 20 years’.”
He went on to say,
“Despite political ‘pious promises’, levelling up has failed those most in need. More children than ever come to school hungry, tired and without adequate clothing. Access to universal support – special needs, mental or dental health – is all but decimated. Even having a fully qualified subject specialist in every class cannot be guaranteed.
“Schools do all they can to alleviate the problems young learners face. But the next government needs to alleviate the growing problems schools face, so they can actually fully support. This includes rising absence rates and rising numbers of special needs children with EHCPs. A 60% rise since 2016.”
He finished by saying,
“Barriers and patterns of disadvantage should not exist. Educational attainment should not be determined by background. A more equal society and properly funded public services for children and families would benefit us all.
“The solution is straightforward. For the future of children’s well-being, let’s abolish sound bite ‘pious promises’, particularly those of the last 14 years. Let all political parties commit to ensuring every school is properly funded, every child benefits from a free nutritious, school meal and every child has the professional support needed to thrive, no matter what the need.”
