Compensatory Educational Policies

• What do compensatory educational policies (CEPs) aim to reduce?

  They aim to reduce inequalities in educational attainment.
• How do CEPs target groups who underachieve?

  By addressing cultural and/or material deprivation.
• What type of support do CEPs provide to schools and communities?

  Extra resources and funding.
• What is the goal of CEPs in terms of opportunity and outcome?

  To achieve greater equality of opportunity and outcome.
• What are the main components of Operation Head Start (OHS)?

  • Pre-school education to improve learning skills
  • Parenting skills and nursery education
  • Home visits from health visitors
  • Intensive learning programs
• What evidence suggests that OHS had short-term success?

  It succeeded in raising IQs in the short term.
• What long-term benefits were observed from OHS participation?

  Participants were less likely to need welfare assistance and had reduced crime levels.
• How much was saved for every $1000 spent on OHS?

  $4000 was saved in welfare, health, and policing.
• What criticism is leveled against OHS regarding the timing of intervention?

  It is argued that the intervention came too late in a child’s life.
• What cultural criticism is associated with OHS?

  It imposes a dominant white middle-class culture on working-class and ethnic minority cultures.
• What do compensatory educational policies fail to address?

  They fail to tackle problems of underachievement due to inside school factors.
• What is the purpose of the 16-19 Bursary Fund introduced in 2012?

  To support continuation in post-16 education and training for low-income, in-care, and disabled students.
• How much can eligible students receive from the 16-19 Bursary Fund?

  Up to £1200.
• What issue has been identified with the 16-19 Bursary Fund regarding student applications?

  Not all students who are entitled to it apply.
• What was the previous payment scheme before the 16-19 Bursary Fund?

  The former EMA payment scheme.
• What was a consequence of the former EMA payment scheme?

  It proved too costly and ended in 2011.
• What is the Aim Higher Programme designed to do?

  To raise the aspirations of under-represented groups in higher education.
• What is a negative impact of other government policies on the Aim Higher Programme?

  They have dampened higher education aspirations among the working class.
• What financial changes have deterred working-class students from applying to university?

  The ending of maintenance grants and introduction of loans and high tuition fees.
• What challenges do poorer students face when attending university?

  They often have to work paid jobs, affecting their study time and exam results.
• What is the purpose of Sure Start (1998)?

  To offer integrated education, childcare, family support, and health services in deprived areas.
• What early research findings were associated with Sure Start?

  It showed little impact on parents and children.
• What recent findings have emerged regarding Sure Start's effectiveness?

  More recent research shows positive outcomes such as healthier children and stimulating home environments.
• What has affected the success of Sure Start since 2011?

  Funding cuts by the conservative government have reduced its effectiveness.
• What is the Pupil Premium (2011)?

  Extra funding for schools for each pupil from a disadvantaged background.
• How can schools use the Pupil Premium funding?

  Schools can spend it to close the gap between deprived and better-off students.
• What has OFSTED found regarding the use of Pupil Premium funding?

  In many cases, it is not spent on those it is supposed to help.
• What did a survey of over 2000 head teachers reveal about Pupil Premium funding?


  It merely made up for cuts elsewhere.
• What are the goals of multicultural education (1980s)?

  • Raise minority pupils’ self-esteem and achievements
  • Recognize cultural diversity in the curriculum
  • Move away from ethnocentric curricula
• What challenge does multicultural education face in schools?

  Pressures of the National Curriculum have squeezed out teaching time for it.
• How is multicultural education often perceived?

  It is seen as 'tokenism'.
• What is the New Right's stance on positive discrimination in education?

  They argue that competition through marketisation policies is the best way to raise standards.
• What criticism does Ringrose (2013) have regarding equal opportunity policies?

  She argues it narrows the focus to 'failing boys' and ignores disadvantaged working-class and minority ethnic groups.
• What does Ringrose (2013) argue about girls' experiences in school?

  She argues it ignores issues like sexual harassment and stereotyped subject choices.
• What was the purpose of the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG) in the 1990s?

  To narrow the achievement gap for pupils from minority ethnic groups.
• What support does EMAG provide for bilingual pupils?


  It helps meet their particular needs through additional staff and resources.
• What has happened to EMAG since 2011?


  It has been cut and mainstreamed into the dedicated schools grant.
• What is the goal of social inclusion policies from the 1990s?

  To monitor exam results by ethnicity and identify underperforming minority groups.
• What approach does Mirza (2005) suggest for tackling inequality?

  She advocates for tackling structural causes of inequality such as racism and poverty.
• What is the purpose of GIST and WISE programs from the 1980s?

  To provide non-sexist careers advice and encourage girls in non-traditional subjects.