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Disadvantage: widening the lens

Disadvantage in education

Explore the governing board's role in tackling educational disadvantage.

Guidance
13/01/2025
Pupils-learning class learning in the library around a table

Disadvantage in education is consistently reported as one of the biggest challenges that schools and trusts face. Having a clear听focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged pupils, who may need additional support to fulfil their potential, is fundamental to听raising standards for all pupils in your听school/trust.

海角社区 encourages governing boards to move beyond viewing eligibility for the pupil premium as the only indicator of disadvantage. We have established five broad drivers of disadvantage:

  1. Poverty
  2. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  3. Vulnerability (including looked after children and young carers)
  4. Certain ethnic groups
  5. Mental听health and wellbeing

OurWidening the lens听on disadvantage听guidance is designed to help governing boards听explore what disadvantage means in听their context and to identify pupil groups who听may need additional support. It听forms an introduction to 海角社区's series of toolkits for tackling disadvantage in education.

Toolkits to help you tackle disadvantage

Our toolkits are designed to help governing boards focus on the drivers that impact pupils in their school/trust. Each toolkit identifies the link to educational disadvantage and
signposts relevant evidence, guidance, and resources.

Widening the lens webinar

Our听Disadvantage: widening the lens webinar explores the challenges faced by pupils with SEND and those living in poverty. Watch the webinar to learn more about the crucial role governing boards play in breaking down barriers to learning.

Watch now
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