Social mobility is a significant variable in the formation of a dynamic culture, and it is a basic component in the making of a sound economy. There are a few distinct kinds of social mobility. Financial portability alludes to the capacity of residents to go all over the monetary stepping stool.
There is a strong correlation between a child’s socio-economic background and their performance at school. Levels of parental of education, occupation and income are key factors affecting how well a child achieves at school. However, there are a growing number of schools that are managing to break the link between educational attainment and disadvantage.
The impact of schools on attainment can, therefore, be significant. Although there clearly are issues influencing social mobility that are beyond the control of the school system, schools can still make a significant difference to the life chances of disadvantaged students.
The guidance note for school leaders on promoting social mobility through closing gaps in attainment is based on research evidence and the practice of school leaders with a proven track record in this area. It focuses on seven main issues.
- Establishing a strong culture of high expectations and achievement for all pupils
- Identifying the performance and progress of FSM pupils
- Analysing and understanding the issues blocking progress
- Reviewing and selecting potential interventions
- Setting success criteria and agreeing how to measure impact
- Implementing interventions
- Developing the roles and skills required of school leaders
- The guidance provides a good framework for thinking about how to plan and deploy the Pupil Premium as well support schools in strategically identifying individuals and groups of students that need specific support. At the end of the guidance note there is a checklist for school leaders.
Checklist on closing gaps in attainment for school and college leaders
The school/college has a strong high expectations culture that is visible to staff, students and parents and reflected in its arrangements for impartial information and guidance
The school/college has a named individual on the senior leadership team who is responsible for championing and driving forward action in relation to FSM students
The school/college uses data well at whole-school and year group and subject level to identify and track the performance and progress of FSM students
In discussion with students and the involvement of all staff the school/college has identified the main within-school factors contributing to gaps in attainment for FSM student
The school/college understands the relative merits of different strategies and interventions for supporting disadvantaged students and has adopted strategies to meet the specific challenges identified
The school/college has set challenging achievement goals for all FSM students in partnership with them and their parents
The school/college has resourced, carefully planned and secured support for the intervention strategies it is going to use
The school/college has monitored and evaluated the impact of interventions, using a mix of methods
The school’s/college’s strategy on closing gaps in achievement for FSM students is integrated into its self-evaluation and the school development plan
The school ensures that where setting or ability grouping is used, pupils in different groupings should have equal access to high quality teaching and learning
The school/college has carefully considered its criteria for allocating bursary awards to ensure that it has identified and targeted those students that are most disadvantaged.
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