Disadvantaged pupils 'need more resources'

December 15 2010

The government needs to provide more resources for disadvantaged pupils, it has been claimed.

Sue Fieldman, regional editor of the Good Schools Guide, said it is important that resources are properly targeted.

"It is no good just throwing money at schools and teachers from a government directive, with no actual source as to where the money should go and how it should be used," she commented.

According to Ms Fieldman, there should be "much more" co-operation between teachers, parents, families and social workers to ensure that pupils are offered support from a young age.

The longer students are left falling behind, the more difficult it is for them to ever catch up, she explained.

A recent study by the Institute of Education revealed that children's progress during their first two years at school is largely driven by their parents' background.

The organisation noted that there is a strikingly large gap between children whose parents are unemployed and those in managerial or professional positions.

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