Childhood Inequality Creates Conveyor Belt of Disadvantage, University of York Report Finds
A recent report from the University of York has shed light on the issue of childhood inequality in the UK. The report, titled The Child of the North: Addressing Education and Health Inequity, reveals that children born into the poorest fifth of families in the country are almost 13 times more likely to experience poor health and educational outcomes by the age of 17.
One of the key findings of the report is the disparity in funding between schools in different regions. Over the past decade, schools in the North of England have received less funding from the National Funding Formula (NFF) compared to their counterparts in the South. On average, pupils in London receive 9.7% more funding than those in the North, with schools in London receiving £6,610 per pupil compared to £6,225, £5,956, and £5,938 in the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber, respectively.
To address these inequalities, the report recommends an overhaul of the current school funding formula to take into account attainment disparities and the health burdens faced by schools. This would help prevent further widening of the gap between the North and the rest of the country.
The report also emphasizes the importance of research and development (R&D) in tackling childhood inequality. It suggests that universities can play a vital role in this by becoming Research and Development departments for local authorities. The report highlights two initiatives developed by the Child of The North consortium – the Born in Bradford Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER) and the Child Health Outcomes Research At Leeds (CHORAL) program – as examples of how universities can effectively collaborate with public service organizations to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Furthermore, the report mentions the SAMHE (Schools’ Air quality Monitoring for Health and Education) research project, which aims to monitor and evaluate the air quality in classrooms across the country. This citizen science project, led by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) at York, encourages schools to participate and contribute valuable data to scientists studying air quality.
The report concludes by stating that public services in the North of England have come together to create innovative approaches that bring health and education together to tackle the challenges faced by children and young people. It emphasizes the need for investment in all children and closing the gap between the North and the rest of the country, not only as a matter of social justice but also for the long-term benefit of society as a whole.
Overall, the report provides evidence-based recommendations for addressing childhood inequality in the UK, offering policymakers a roadmap for action. By implementing these recommendations and prioritizing the well-being of children and young people, we can begin to create a more equitable society for all.
