12
Not Addressed
We were disappointed that the Department is investing another £18 million in a policy which...
Recommendation
We were disappointed that the Department is investing another £18 million in a policy which is reaching limited numbers of pupils and seems to be generating little return on investment. We urge the Department to set out a clear methodology to define what the programme’s success criteria are. These should emphasise that the funding is not to be spent on “convene-itis” and discussion, but should go to frontline services, using statistics to micro-target struggling communities, with explicit targets for: i) Improving support for families, through targeting Family Hubs to deprived communities and closing the early years attainment gap ii) Focussing resource to schools that most need it, through a better measure of disadvantage and funding that is micro-targeted to areas of need iii) Channelling funding to schools that struggle to recruit and retain the best staff, through more local teacher training initiatives iv) Ensuring all pupils get the best careers advice, particularly in areas where varied career options are less visible.
Government Response Summary
The government's response is truncated and therefore does not allow for a full assessment of its commitment to setting out clear success criteria for the programme and ensuring funding goes to frontline services.
Paragraph Reference
66
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
38. The [...truncated...] successful in ensuring this funding always directly benefits the most disadvantaged we will expect the Department to consider further measures. This should include ringfencing a percentage of the pupil premium grant to offer activities and enrichment opportunities to disadvantaged pupils, helping them access the same extra-curricular opportunities as their better-off peers.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.1 yrs
Report published
22 Jun 2021