Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
Department plans to strengthen evidence base for early years and wider pupil outcomes
Conclusion
While the Department is confident in its evidence base for pupil premium it recognised the need to continue building evidence in other areas, for example early years, and on wider outcomes beyond academic attainment such as attendance and home learning.39 The Department said it was keen to have more of an evidence–based approach to how it thinks about schools policy more widely.40 The Department outlined plans to widen its evidence base further through, for example, working with a wider range of What Works Centres as part of the Opportunities Mission and its plans to 30 Q 25; C&AG’s Report, para 13 31 C&AG’s Report, para 13 32 Q 26 33 Q 25 34 Q 25 35 Q 33 36 Qq 26, 32 37 Q 32 38 Q 22 39 Qq 28, 36 40 Q 37 11 consult experts on how gaps in the existing evidence base on areas such as attendance and home learning can be filled.41 The Department also plans to publish areas of research interest. Investing in early years support
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and will continue to evaluate the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, has uplifted the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) and published guidance, and will work with EEF to monitor the impact of the EYPP uplift with an independent evaluation.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2026 3.2 The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme will continue to evaluate the rollout of their services overall alongside the delivery of individual elements. Evaluations will continue to be commissioned and led by independent evaluation teams. 3.3 In December 2024 the department announced a 45% uplift to the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), increasing the amount of EYPP to up to £570 per eligible child per year – additional support for the most disadvantaged children. The department is keen to ensure that EYPP spend is used effectively by providers to improve children’s outcomes. To this end the department has published guidance, for the first time, to support local authorities in ensuring spend is used effectively. The department has also worked with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to support the development and launch of practical, evidence-informed advice for early years setting leaders on maximising the use of EYPP in their context - Early Years Pupil Premium | EEF. 3.4 To expand the evidence base on EYPP the department will work with EEF to monitor the impact of the EYPP uplift who will commission an independent, comprehensive mixed- methods impact and process evaluation to explore the potential mechanisms linking EYPP uplift and supporting improved outcomes for disadvantaged children. 3.5 The department is, in parallel, engaging with a number of local authorities to explore barriers to take up.