Commenting on new research looking at
the extent to which the talent of high-potential disadvantaged
young people is being wasted due to inequalities in society and
education, Kevin
Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education
Union,
said:
“These new findings help to
demonstrate the scale of inequality in our society, which is
reflected in the school system. That poverty and disadvantage can
have such severe impacts on children’s educational experience is
a stark message to Government that they must do more to support
schools to make education work for every
child.
“Children experiencing hardship and
poverty face particular barriers to accessing education. Stigma
and social exclusion prevent learners focusing on their
schooling. Access to resources is limited. Pressure of time
- when children have caring responsibilities in the home - is
acute.
“Our members see this every day in
their schools. In a recent survey 78% of teachers told us that
they or their school is providing help with uniforms for
disadvantaged pupils, as well as 58% providing extra food
during the day. That is why the No Child Left Behind
group – led by the NEU – is campaigning for free school
meals for all primary-age pupils.
“It shouldn’t fall on teachers or
schools to be providing support where there are huge gaps in
social provision. Education is an entitlement that should be
accessible to all, regardless of economic fortunes or prior
attainment. The Government must urgently and sustainably uplift
school funding to give schools the resources they need. It must
ensure that funding for programmes such as the NTP is sufficient
and long-term. These kinds of support must be available to all
schools and all disadvantaged children, not just those with high
prior attainment.”
