It is not a lack of aspiration in working class families that prevents their children from achieving, but a lack of knowledge and access. Karen Sullivan explains

Education in England, a somewhat damning report from Centre Forum, highlights concerns that children from poorer White British communities are falling behind other ethnic groups, suggesting that inadequate parental engagement could be at the root of the problem.

Jo Hutchison, Centre Forum’s associate director for education, said: “We are talking about things such as parents attending parents’ evenings at school, talking to their children about subject options, supervising homework, ensuring the family eats together and has regular bedtimes.

“Most parents actually want their children to continue in education and be successful in education. What sometimes differs is the extent to which they have the knowledge and the tools and resources to help them to make that aspiration real.”

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