Childhood development, household circumstances and school attendance trajectories
The project will assess the association between child development and household circumstances in early life on later school attendance patterns. Poor school attendance is linked to negative short and long-term outcomes, including school exclusions, worse educational attainment, increased risk of criminal justice system contact, and unemployment.
School absenteeism can compound intersectional disadvantages. Poor school engagement is more likely for children with mental health issues, special educational needs and disabilities; children involved with social welfare services; and those in more deprived households. Household circumstances in early life impact on preschool development and greatly determine school readiness. Early intervention has great potential to improve outcomes for children. However, there are challenges in terms of the provision of multi-sector and holistic family support in a context of growing pressures and resource management within a) schools, b) the national health service, and c) broader social welfare services.
The study will use the standardised developmental measures and education data contained in the linked Understanding Society Pregnancy and Early Childhood (PEACH) dataset and main wave measures of household circumstances. The data allows researchers to identify how factors in early childhood may impact on school absenteeism and whether high rates of school attendance may benefit later child development. Identifying early risk factors allows for timely and evidenced responses to steer children towards a more positive school career.
