Overcoming disadvantage for struggling learners

Across the UK, there are many thousands of disadvantaged children who struggle with learning in school. This conference, hosted by Catch Up, is an opportunity to find out about key research that raises some difficult and often controversial questions about how the needs of these vulnerable children can be met. Researchers and experienced practitioners will explore a range of strategic approaches that will be most cost-effective in schools.

Why is this conference relevant?

The continuing pressure of tight budgets is very much a global issue and yet, in these difficult times, there are still thousands of struggling learners who desperately need support. The strategic use of funding to provide effective intervention in a cost-effective way is a perennial problem. This conference will present key research about the effective use of targeted pupil funding and to consider the implications for overcoming disadvantage.

"We know that there isn’t a particularly strong relationship between levels of expenditure and performance. What’s more important and is evident from the data is how that money is spent"
(Michael Davidson, Senior Analyst, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD))

“Tackling educational inequality is our top priority, and our pupil premium will provide support for the poorest pupils in our schools. ….”
(Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for Schools)

“Professional Learning Communities…….. collective enquiry to improve evidence-based teaching, leading to better outcomes and more effective teaching methods.”
(Leighton Andrews AM, Welsh Government Minister of Education)

Catch Up, a not-for-profit charity, enables schools and others to provide the support that struggling learners so desperately need – with interventions that are both inexpensive and effective, and that have long-lasting impact. For further information visit www.catchup.org