Education: a route out of poverty
John Griffiths MS
Growing up in Pillgwenlly, Newport I vividly remember observing the following words “Knowledge is Power” engraved on a keystone placed at the top of the local library. From my own life-experiences and the experiences of many like me, it is evident that education, training and skills give people the tools to think differently, to seek employment, to positively contribute to society as the very process of acquiring knowledge is an empowering one.
The power of education is precious to me because my own route out of relative poverty came through education & lifelong learning. There was a period of my life when I lived on a council estate with a young family not able to find any work having left school without sitting examinations. Thankfully, attending evening classes at Nash Tech as it was known, now the City of Newport Campus, Coleg Gwent I gained the qualifications required to study Law at Cardiff University which then allowed me to work as a solicitor and subsequently in politics as the Member of Senedd for Newport East.
This journey out of relative poverty is also the experience of many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds that go on to do well later on life despite the odds being stacked against them. However, there are far too many young people within our society unable not benefitting from the power of education as a vehicle to leave behind them poverty and deprivation.
Social Mobility
Dr Mark Lang’s research for Colegau Cymru “Can you get there from here?” looked into the issue of social mobility and whether the current education provision in Wales adequately enables young people to secure a life of well-being particularly those from deprived communities and disadvantaged personal backgrounds. The research found skills inequality is now higher while social mobility is lower in the UK than any other developed country.
The Social Mobility Commission in 2019 states that social mobility has stagnated over the four years previous to their publication, at virtually all stages, from birth to work, and being born disadvantaged means that you will have to overcome a series of barriers to ensure that you and your children are not stuck in the same trap. The recent Augar Review in 2019 also states that there has been no improvement in social mobility in over half a century. To add, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Report in 2018 shows social mobility declining.
It’s clear that there are huge challenges ahead of us if we are to reverse those trends, reverse that pattern and, specifically, do something here in Wales that is powerful in reversing that picture.
There is some hope, on the horizon and, indeed, Dr Lang states that, although there’s a shortage of statistics in Wales which are recent and comprehensive on education and social mobility, nonetheless there are some signs of progress here in Wales.
Setting the Context in Wales
Stats Wales show pre-pandemic data from 2019 that a mere 28% of learners eligible for Free School Meals achieved level 2, equivalent to 5 GCSE passes, in comparison to 61% of learners who are not eligible. There has been improvement in closing the gap here in Wales since devolution but it is clear to see that more needs to be done.
Education Under Welsh Labour
Education, therefore, is a key policy area for governments across the world in addressing inequalities within our society. With education being a devolved matter for us here in Wales, Welsh Labour has set out the new Curriculum for Wales underpinned by the aim of reducing inequalities within education with the mission to achieve high standards and aspirations for all.
The Pupil Development Grant (PDG), one of Welsh Government’s flagship policies with the direct aim of tackling the impact of deprivation and disadvantage on educational outcomes provides extra money to schools based on the number of pupils eligible for free school meals on their roll, seeking to try and weaken that link between relative deprivation and high attainment.
The Welsh Government’s commitment of £130 million per annum on the pupil deprivation grant is very valuable indeed, and it also covers looked-after children and those in referral units. The increase of a further £20 million from 2022–23 is also welcome, particularly in the light of the cost-of-living crisis in addressing the inequalities.
The Children, Young People and Education Committee, of which I was a part in the last Senedd term laid out some key recommendations in the report ‘On the Money?’ on the PDG and its effectiveness and how to make most of the investment.
The earliest years are foundational for young people and Flying Start is a crucial programme for this effort. Children under four years of age living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Wales benefit. In Newport for example, over 3,000 children, benefit from the programme and I very much support Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services when she said:
‘I have heard from parents and carers about the positive impact Flying Start has had on their families. We are committed to expanding early years provision and this excellent programme is the best way of delivering this. We know children who attend quality early years settings benefit from spending time in a happy, nurturing environment with their peers and are better prepared for primary education.’
Another focus of Welsh Government is the promotion of community-focused schools. We know many children in deprived areas do not get the mum’s taxi experiences, but they will benefit from activities and opportunities after the school day if they’re provided at their school.
Conclusion
A good education allows for underprivileged young people to access the skills required to take employment with higher pay and better conditions, and it’s not just about economic progress, but personal development and social progress also.
Wales once seemed to provide teachers to the world. I do believe education is still very much valued in our culture and DNA. We must draw on that spirit and those values for a national mission to engage our children, families and communities to ensure all our children, young people and lifelong learners succeed.
John Griffiths is the Senedd member for Newport East