WE very much welcome the announcement from the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee that they will be conducting an inquiry into the impact of poverty on children's achievement and attainment.

We agree that a crucial part of closing the attainment gap for children from disadvantaged families is ensuring that we take action before children reach the school gates.

It is a concern to us that there are lower levels of attainment among pupils from poorer backgrounds.

We know that poverty, adversity and the many difficulties of living on a low income are at the root of the problems faced by these children and families. It is also true that for many of these children the challenges faced by their parents mean that they miss out on the vital, positive attachments they need to ensure the healthy brain development which is so crucial to their education.

We understand now more than ever the impact that the stress caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and trauma can have on a child’s development, their ability to learn and their mental health and wellbeing. The day to day reality of living in poverty exacerbates the toxic stress that many children across Scotland live with, and which can impact on them for the rest of their lives.

In order to address these issues we take a proactive partnership approach with families and communities, working with them from before a child gets to school and throughout their journey through primary and secondary education. We focus on promoting secure attachment, recovery from toxic stress and trauma, and building resilient communities alongside families, schools and other partners.

Within schools we support staff to create safe, nurturing, trauma-informed environments which support children’s mental health and wellbeing. We know that children who are experiencing toxic stress at home, often related to poverty, will struggle to access the curriculum, we know that health and wellbeing underpins attainment. Something as small as offering a child a piece of toast when they get to school can have a huge impact.

Our experience highlights a real need to ensure greater investment in children before and beyond the school gates so that they all have the chance to reach their full potential and we look forward to supporting the Education and Skills Committee Inquiry in any way we can.

For and on behalf of Barnardo’s Scotland

MARTIN CREWE,

Director of Barnardo’s Scotland.