MPs urge priority on early years to boost university prospects

[asset_library_tag 7,In its first report, Seven Key Truths About Social Mobility], the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Mobility said improved parenting skills, school readiness, quality of teaching and a level playing field of out-of-school opportunities for children are essential to improve social mobility in the UK.

It suggested that narrowing the gap in children’s earliest years to enable school readiness will improve school achievement and redress imbalances that mean a fifth of top university places go to privately education students, when only seven per cent of children go to fee-paying schools.

The all-party group was formed last year to examine why social mobility in Britain is low compared with international standards.

Conservative MP Damian Hinds, chair of the group, said: “The pupil premium and extensions of early years provision are important structural changes which should aid social mobility, as were the creation of Sure Start and Teach First. But the scale of the challenge is immense and the very earliest years are an obvious place to prioritise.

“For a long time we have lagged behind our international competitors in ensuring all Britons can realise their potential. To bridge the gap will require a shared commitment between schools, universities and firms, government and the voluntary sector.”

According to the report, a child’s development from birth to three is the “point of greatest leverage” for social mobility. The group acknowledged that broaching parenting is  “difficult territory” for policy makers but said it must be addressed along with early years settings.

Ryan Shorthouse, researcher at the Social Market Foundation, said: "This report rightly highlights the growing importance of soft skills such as self-esteem and concentration for success in education and the modern labour market. The evidence suggests wealthier parents are better able to provide the resources and activities – because of their higher income and stronger networks -  which help cultivate these soft skills.

"Children from poorer socio-economic backgrounds need the opportunity to experience an array of different environments and activities to broaden horizons, acquire new behaviours and foster aspiration. This includes extra-curricular activities, formal childcare and work experience. They key is to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of these activities.”

The all-party group will now look into social mobility in relation to admissions to higher education institutions; careers advice; enterprise; geography; disability and gender and ethnicity. A final report is due to be published at the end of the year.