Educational Access: Barriers and Enablers

Growing evidence related to barriers to education and the negative impact of reduced or non-attendance has previously been evidenced (Askeland et al., 2020; Baker & Bishop, 2015). Research giving voice to families affected by barriers to attendance – especially since the Covid-19 pandemic is limited. This research will be completed with families as opposed to on them: the aim is to co-produce and distribute a questionnaire about barriers to school attendance produced by parents, for other parents and carers whose children experience these barriers. The study will also be supported by our partners ‘Not fine in school’ who research and practice leaders in this field. We will complete focus groups and piloting of the initial draft of the questionnaire by parents whose children experience barriers to education. This funding will enable our co-production work and the drafting of an online survey with associated ethical approval, ready for distribution. Initial analysis and reporting will also be completed within the funding timeframe.

This research aims to explore the challenges families face when children struggle to attend school, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike previous studies that have focused on these issues from the researchers' perspective, this project will work directly with families in the design of the project and its methods, analysis and outcomes. A questionnaire was developed by parents for other parents and carers. The study is partnered with “Not Fine in School,” a national group of experts and advocates.