Save the Children’s response to Social Mobility Commission report
Friday, 10 June 2016
Gareth Jenkins, Director of UK Poverty, said:
“Despite progress, today’s report shows that life-chances are still a lottery, as proven by the tens of thousands of poor children still failed by the system every year.
“During the time frame of this study, humans have walked on the moon and invented the internet, but the fact remains that the poorest children are still most likely to fall behind - and often stay behind.
“While this report shines a spotlight on the role that parents play in shaping a child's development, too often the debate overlooks the huge potential offered by good quality nurseries in helping to close this gap further.
“Save the Children’s research shows the attainment gap exists as early as age five. The poorest children in England start school an average of fifteen months behind their better off peers in key skills like language. “We know that the early years provide a crucial window of opportunity for brain development. For the government to truly give the next generation the best possible start, their focus must shift to much earlier in life. The evidence is clear: well qualified nursery staff, including Early Years Teachers, can be a decisive factor in closing the persistent early learning gap.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Save the Children’s UK Programmes Save the Children's Families and Schools Together (FAST) is an award-winning, early intervention programme for primary school-age pupils. FAST brings parents, children, schools and the wider community together to help parents create opportunities for learning and development at home and to make sure children get the support they need to fulfil their potential at school - and in life.
Following the completion of FAST programmes:
- 72% of parents reported having more information and knowledge about their child's education.
- 79% of parents felt they were better able to support their child's education -
There was a 12% drop in child's behavioural difficulties at school
About Save the Children:
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.