NFER Cymru Seminar

Supporting studentengagementMarch 2014

The context in Wales

• The statistics • Welsh Government agenda • Initiatives• Practice in schools – what works?

Research in Wales

Analysis of National Survey for Wales 2012-13 data on educationExplores parents’ satisfaction with child’s school; engagement with school; assistance with child’s learning; aspirations; and views of education.

Key findings from our analysis • Generally positive overall • Complex associations• Important: Socio-economic status; child’s wellbeing; Welsh;

satisfaction

Research in Wales

Key messages from existing research• Effective practice exists but initiatives lack robust evidence• Research need: how to support learning needs at different

ages• Family culture central to aspirations but other factors are

important

The context in England

• RPA • Study programmes• Careers guidance• Inspiration Vision

Disengagement

The majority of young people who become NEET do not face multiple or complex barriers to engagement (Spielhofer et al., 2009).

Disengagement

Why focus on the ‘inbetweeners’?Most re-engagement activities focus on those with multiple barriers to learning (Nelson and O’Donnell, 2012). Early evidence suggests that preventative activities should be focused on those without complex barriers to keep them engaged (Nelson and O’Donnell, 2012).

How do you engage the ‘inbetweeners’? Identify the reasons why a young person is disengaging AND choose the right intervention/support.

What research are we doing?

Identifying students at risk of disengagement

• Indicators to identify the reasons for disengagement• Research to identify

indicators of disengagement

• Development and trialling of free indicators toolkits for school use

• Publication of free resources for schools.

Supporting students with appropriate interventions

• Mobilising positive engagement practice• Longitudinal research• 10 different support

programmes in Key Stage 4

• Looking at impact of projects and how to share practice.

Indicators to identify the disengaged

Support Approaches:

1. Employer or business-focused support2. Pastoral or academic-focused support3. Alternative curriculum or pedagogy4. Package of support

The importance of...

• Early identification of potential reasons for disengagement• Providing appropriate academic / pastoral support (1:1 if

possible)• Provision relevant to the world of work (curriculum and/or

intervention)• Providing quality, impartial careers guidance (KS3/KS4) &

career-related learning (KS2)• Engaging parents and families

Useful links and tools

Indicators: discussion aid and interactive tool http://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/INDS02

Support programmes:http://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/IMPE01

Tami McCrone: t.mccrone@nfer.ac.ukLiz Phillips: l.phillips@nfer.ac.uk Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni: ycuca@caerphilly.gov.uk