§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will introduce measures to help children from mining communities who underachieve. [82427]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisIn January 2001, we jointly commissioned research with the Coalfield Communities Campaign that looked into patterns of educational achievement in the coalfields. Evidence showed that coalfield areas are benefiting from the literacy and numeracy strategies at primary level, but attainment declines by Key Stage 3 level (11– 14 years olds) and is well below the national average by GCSE stage. The research also showed, however, that there is no particular 'coalfield effect' and that similar problems occurred in other comparable areas that had experienced industrial economic decline. The full research report is available on the Department's internet site (DfES research report 314) and in the House of Commons Library.
We have several strategies already helping to raise educational attainment in deprived areas, although we recognise there is still work to be done.
Coalfield areas are also benefiting from more localised targeted support which provides additional resources for schools serving disadvantaged areas. This includes Excellence in Cities, Excellence Clusters and Education Action Zones We are working with coalfield organisations to clarify issues characteristic to coalfield areas and to agree a joint agenda for action.