at age 4-5 who were not keeping up with their peers in terms of development were nearly three times more likely to be not in education, employment, or training at the age of 16-17, according to an analysis of pupil data. The University of Leeds and Lancaster University led a study that suggested that a lack of readiness for school at age 4-5 could potentially forecast the risk of unemployment and dropping out of education at the age of 16-17.In England, children’s development is evaluated using the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, and those who meet the criteria for a ‘good level of development’ are considered to be ‘school ready’. A new study published in the journal BMC Public Health has revealed a significant disparity in GCSE results and outcomes in Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) between children who were deemed ready and those who were not ready for primary school. The research analyzed data from over 8,000 young people in Bradford who are part of the Connected Bradford project. Dr. Matthew Warburton, the lead author and Research Officer at Leeds’ School of Psychology, commented on the findings, stating that they illustrate the impact of school readiness on future academic and vocational outcomes.The research demonstrates that there are specific signs in children and young people that indicate a higher risk of facing obstacles in their later teenage years. Since schools regularly gather this data, the findings could be utilized to initiate early intervention programs in schools focusing on elementary school readiness. The study revealed that 11% of children who were not ready for school ended up not in education, employment, or training (NEET) at the ages of 16-17, in comparison to only 4% of children who were prepared for school. This early disadvantage also correlated with academic performance at the GCSE level. Among the children identified as not being ready for school, 44% achieved GCSEs at level 2 (grade 4 or higher) in English, Maths, and five subjects overall, where 77% of children who were ready for school achieved these results. The research team, which included academics from Lancaster University and the Bradford Institute for Health Research, highlighted the importance of early intervention by schools to decrease disadvantage in later life. This aligns with the message from a series of N8 Child of the North and Centre for Young Lives reports advocating for prioritizing children and young people. Dr. Amy Atkinson, a Senior author and Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Lancaster University, emphasized the availability of data from the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.This data is crucial for the millions of children and young people in England. It can help identify those at risk of becoming NEET,” said the researchers.
The study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK Prevention Research Partnership, the Medical Research Council, and an anonymous donation to the University of Leeds for Dr Warburton’s NEET investigation.
The researchers noted that the availability of data meant that NEET could only be assessed at the ages of 16-17, and further research is needed to evaluate this trajectory over a longer period.
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