Research Reports

The Effect of Lifelong Learning on Intra-generational Social Mobility - Evidence from Longitudinal Data in the United Kingdom
Balnden, J. and Sturgis, P., 2009

This research examines the potential non-financial benefits of lifelong learning and identifies whether such benefits are evident and considers their implications for policy development. The research aims to answer the following questions:
· To what extent is gaining qualifications in adulthood related to subsequent intra-generational social class mobility?
· Does the effect of obtaining qualifications on intra-generational social class trajectories vary by observable characteristics such as age, gender, initial qualifications and type of qualification obtained? In particular, are they larger for those with lower qualifications, those thought of as 'hard to reach'?
· Do skills improvements gained through training influence occupational status in addition to the achievement of formal qualifications?

Nurturing parenting capability: the early years
Gutman, L.M., Brown, J. and Akerman, R., 2009

This study drew together findings on what acts to positively influence parental attachment to, and teaching behaviours with, their child and used a longitudinal dataset to analyse how they vary for different groups of parents (e.g. single parents and parents on low incomes). A multi-disciplinary review of literature on parent-child attachment and parent teaching behaviours was followed by analysis of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Aspirations and attainment amongst young people in deprived communities: analysis and discussion paper
Social Exclusion Taskforce, Departments for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
Published April 2009

Aspirations and attainment in deprived communities' is a joint project between the Social Exclusion Task Force, DCSF and DCLG. It explores the potential to raise the attainment of young people in deprived communities by raising aspirations and changing attitudes within these communities.
Key findings:
· Young people in certain types of neighbourhood are less likely to develop high aspirations. These neighbourhoods tend to have high levels of deprivation.
· Not all deprived communities are the same. Certain community characteristics are associated with low aspirations, and aspirations vary by gender, ethnicity, social class and area deprivation.
· Parents are the most important influence on children. But young people and their parents are also influenced by the people and places where they live.

Pupils with declining attainment between Key Stages 3 and 4: Profiles, experiences and impcats on underachievemnt and disengagement
Callanan, M. et al., 2009

This study sought to further understanding of why a group of young people who have performed well up to Key Stage 3, then disengage from education or under-perform at Key Stage 4. It also aimed to inform policy thinking on how young people can be better supported to achieve their potential and make a successful transition to post-16 education, training or work.

The research includes qualitative in-depth interviews with young people; school staff; and parents or significant others of young people involved in the study.The methodology comprised analysis of matched administrative data sources to identify young people whose performance declined significantly between Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. In-depth interviews were held with a sample of these young people when they had reached age 18-19 and with school staff, parents/guardians.

Breaking the link between disadvantage and low attainment: Everyone's business
DCSF, 2009

First in a series of documents that will look in detail at ways of narrowing the gaps in outcomes for particular groups of students - linking to the Department's wider agenda for children and families.

This is a summary document of international and national evidence of the link between deprivation and education. It highlights some of the good practice already shown by schools and LAs and signals future policy direction.

Raising young people's higher education aspirations: Teachers' attitudes
Johnson, F. et al., 2009

The study examines the role and impact of higher education practitioners on the higher education aspirations of young people. It explores the attitudes, knowledge and practices in a cross section of English schools and sixth form colleges that have a low progression rates into post 16 education and training, with a view to identifying key factors and approaches to tackle low aspirations of learners.