The importance of engaging families and the wider community in children’s learning: A Welsh perspective

SUZANNE SARJEANT, HEADTEACHER, PENCOED PRIMARY SCHOOL, UK; CURRENTLY SECONDED TO WELSH GOVERNMENT  DAVID EGAN, CARDIFF SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL POLICY, CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY, UK Despite ongoing attempts to improve equity in education in Wales, the gap in attainment between children living in poverty and their peers has remained broadly the same for more than a decade (Cardim-Dias and Sibieta, 2022). Child poverty rates in Wales cluster in the range of 27 to 36 per cent at local authority level and have increased by up to six points over the last six years (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2023). The impact of this socio-economic disadvantage may result in children not achieving their potential, getting the job that they want or securing the best life for themselves. Wales is not alone in facing this issue. Globally, many education systems are focusing on reducing the impact of poverty on children’s attainment and wellbeing (Chmielewski, 2019). Some countries are look