1. NFER Cymru Seminar Supporting student engagement March 2014

2. The context in Wales The statistics Welsh Government agenda Initiatives Practice in schools – what works?

3. Research in Wales Analysis of National Survey for Wales 2012-13 data on education Explores parents’ satisfaction with child’s school; engagement with school; assistance with child’s learning; aspirations; and views of education. Key findings from our analysis Generally positive overall Complex associations Important: Socio-economic status; child’s wellbeing; Welsh; satisfaction

4. Research in Wales Key messages from existing research Effective practice exists but initiatives lack robust evidence Research need: how to support learning needs at different ages Family culture central to aspirations but other factors are important

5. The context in England RPA Study programmes Careers guidance Inspiration Vision

6. Disengagement The majority of young people who become NEET do not face multiple or complex barriers to engagement (Spielhofer et al., 2009).

7. Disengagement Why focus on the ‘inbetweeners’? Most re-engagement activities focus on those with multiple barriers to learning (Nelson and O’Donnell, 2012). Early evidence suggests that preventative activities should be focused on those without complex barriers to keep them engaged (Nelson and O’Donnell, 2012). How do you engage the ‘inbetweeners’? Identify the reasons why a young person is disengaging AND choose the right intervention/support.

8. What research are we doing? Identifying students at risk of disengagement Indicators to identify the reasons for disengagement Research to identify indicators of disengagement Development and trialling of free indicators toolkits for school use Publication of free resources for schools. Supporting students with appropriate interventions Mobilising positive engagement practice Longitudinal research 10 different support programmes in Key Stage 4 Looking at impact of projects and how to share practice.

9. Indicators to identify the disengaged

10. Support Approaches: 1.Employer or business-focused support 2.Pastoral or academic-focused support 3.Alternative curriculum or pedagogy 4.Package of support

11. The importance of... Early identification of potential reasons for disengagement Providing appropriate academic / pastoral support (1:1 if possible) Provision relevant to the world of work (curriculum and/or intervention) Providing quality, impartial careers guidance (KS3/KS4) & career-related learning (KS2) Engaging parents and families

12. Useful links and tools Indicators: discussion aid and interactive tool http://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/INDS02 Support programmes: http://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/IMPE01 Tami McCrone: t.mccrone@nfer.ac.ukt.mccrone@nfer.ac.uk Liz Phillips: l.phillips@nfer.ac.ukl.phillips@nfer.ac.uk Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni: ycuca@caerphilly.gov.ukycuca@caerphilly.gov.uk