Education

“Nudge-u-cation” could improve education

Published

8 years ago

April 6, 2018

Dr David Halpern: Behavioural approaches unlock new solutions

MANY British adults are showing signs of pessimism about the state of education in schools, but are ready to place their hope in teachers who take a more experimental approach, a new survey has found.

The poll of 2,000 adults by the charity Pro Bono Economics, has found that only one in four British people (27%) believe that children today get a better overall primary and secondary school education than they did. As many as 43% say that schools are worse than they were in their day, while just 14% believe that there is no difference compared to the proverbial best days of their lives.

Meanwhile, the public mood among adults implies that there are fewer guarantees of security when it comes to jobs, finances, owning a home and a comfortable retirement.

Comparing today’s school children to their parents:

Two-thirds (65%) of British adults think that today’s young people will be less likely to own their own home;
57% say they will have less job security;
54% say they will be less likely to benefit from a good pension;
47% say they will be worse off financially.

On a more optimistic note, only one fifth (27%) of respondents say that today’s children will be less likely to move to a more affluent area than their parents, and just 22% believe they will be less happy with their job and their lives overall. A mere 19% predict that today’s children will be less likely to attend university or go on to further education. But pessimism returns when it comes to comparing the future lives of today’s young people and the current life of their parents: only 6% of respondents feel that they will not be worse off in any way.

In their efforts to help young people reach further education, and improve their life chances and social mobility, some schools have been adopting behavioural science techniques – also known as ‘nudges’ – with the aim of improving academic achievement and attendance. This approach appears to have the support of many members of the public.

With the Education Policy Institute reporting that a large number of local authority-maintained schools are now spending beyond their means, the survey reveals that many now believe it is time to take a new approach to improving children’s education, attendance and grades. Over four in ten (44%) feel that teachers should be allowed to experiment with new approaches, and 26% believe teachers should test new approaches before they are more widely adopted. Only 12% think that teachers should continue as they are, adopting consistent, accepted approaches that are believed to favour academic progress.

“In less than a decade, behavioural science has moved from the fringes to the heart of policy,” says Dr David Halpern, Chief Executive of the Behavioural Insights Team, who delivered the Pro Bono Economics Annual Lecture on Wednesday (March 28) at the Royal Society.

“Successive governments around the world have seen the benefits of introducing a more realistic model of human behaviour to public services. Our own trials in education have shown how interventions as simple and low-cost as a text message can have transformative effects – from increased attendance to improved pass rates. Experimental and behavioural approaches are both unlocking new solutions and improving old ones.”

Behavioural approaches have also helped encourage the much wider use of experimental methods – notably the randomised control trial – in routine policymaking. In the UK, this empiricism has found expression in the ‘What Works’ movement and network, and in the creation of independent What Works centres covering education, crime, early intervention, local economic growth, well-being, better aging and, most recently, youth social work.

In his Pro Bono Economics lecture, Dr Halpern will explore the dimensions and potential of the What Works movement. In particular, he will examine the cutting-edge power of the behavioural approach when it comes to education and social mobility, while identifying the barriers that still limit its enormous possibilities.

Julia Grant, Chief Executive of Pro Bono Economics, commented: “Whether or not our education system really is better or worse than a generation ago, this survey indicates that many British adults don’t believe that young people are being properly prepared for the world beyond school. No matter whether they are planning on university, another form of further education or the workplace, there is a feeling that limits are being put on their life chances.

“The positive we can take from these findings is that people are willing to put aside their scepticism and embrace more experimental approaches to improving children’s learning, attendance, grades and access to further education.

“Collectively, we need to move away from the orthodoxy of approaches that are supported by little or no evidence of their impact and adopt new, experimental approaches that produce evidence to demonstrate their immediate success or failure.”

Education

Manifesto warns Welsh nurseries are ‘fighting to survive’

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Nurseries in Wales are warning that rising costs and underfunded childcare places are putting providers under severe pressure

NDNA CYMRU has launched its manifesto, The Best Start for Children in Wales, calling on the next Welsh Government to make early childhood play, learning and care a priority for every family and community.

The organisation says early findings from its nursery survey show 89% of day nurseries in Wales make a loss on sessional places, while 79% say the full day rate does not cover their costs.

Staffing bills have risen by an average of 10.5%, while nurseries have increased fees to parents by an average of 7.5%, meaning many providers are absorbing part of the extra cost themselves.

One nursery told NDNA: “We can’t increase prices as parents are struggling to pay their bill already.”

NDNA Cymru says the pressure is forcing some nurseries to spend less on resources, reduce staff hours and cut training, with one respondent saying they had been forced to lay off three members of staff.

The manifesto sets out four priorities for the next Welsh Government. These include a national review of funded childcare, funding rates that reflect the real cost of delivery, proper support for Additional Learning Needs, protection for existing providers before new capital projects are approved, and a fully funded workforce strategy.

Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA Cymru said: “The next Welsh Government has the opportunity to do things better. We are calling on all parties to put children at the heart of any future policy, making sure it is properly funded and delivered consistently in communities across Wales.

“Our survey of day nurseries shows that they face unique funding pressures. It cannot be good for children, families or the economy to have nurseries fighting just to survive when we want to see them thrive.

“Parents rightly want more support to make childcare more affordable. But to be fair to everyone and make sure that policies can be delivered, political parties must make sure any promise they make is fully funded.”

NDNA Cymru said 92% of nurseries responding to its survey were either operating at a loss or only breaking even.

The survey also found that the new £6.67 hourly funding rate for three and four-year-olds does not cover costs for many providers. For full day care, the average shortfall was £1.56 per hour per child, rising to £2.05 for sessional care.

One nursery said: “In the 39 years I have been operating successfully and at a very high level of quality, this is the most challenging and disheartening time for my business in relation to financial sustainability.”

Another said: “Funding and fees are a constant worry alongside staff recruitment and retention; childcare is a lot more challenging and increases each year make it harder and harder.”

NDNA Cymru said it wants a fair and consistent childcare system across Wales, backed by national guidance, proper investment in staff, and adequate ALN funding so children’s needs can be met.

Education

College learner receives prestigious Welsh award

Published

7 days ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE College learner has been recognised with a prestigious award celebrating her commitment, achievement and future potential.

Eleanor Edwards, a second-year Travel and Tourism learner, received the award from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales as part of its annual College Awards programme.

The scheme supports young Welsh talent and recognises individuals undertaking academic and vocational studies, as well as members of the armed forces and those involved in community service.

Support for future career

The award will help Eleanor further develop her skills and broaden her learning experience through additional courses made possible by the funding.

The College said Eleanor’s success reflects both her hard work and ambition, as well as the high standard of vocational learning delivered at Pembrokeshire College.

Speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, Sylvia Robert-Sargeant said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the selection of Eleanor Edwards as an outstanding second-year learner studying for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the College.

“We wish Eleanor every success, both in participating in the extra courses made possible by this award and in her future studies and career.”

Ambition to join cabin crew

Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters also congratulated Eleanor on her achievement.

Dr Walters said: “We are delighted to congratulate Eleanor on receiving a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales award.

“This achievement will support her continued progression, enabling her to gain the additional qualifications needed to pursue her ambition of a career in air cabin crew.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their ongoing support and for the time invested in the selection process.”

The College said it was proud to see Eleanor acknowledged through the respected awards programme and wished her every success as she continues her studies and prepares for a future career in the travel and tourism industry.

Picture: Learner Eleanor Edwards with Sylvia Robert-Sargeant and Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters.

Education

Police dogs visit Greenhill School for community afternoon

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUPILS at Ysgol Greenhill were given a close-up look at the work of police dogs during a visit from local officers.

Officers from the Tenby Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team attended the school on Thursday (Apr 23), joined by police dog handler PC 301 Bain and police dogs Stan and Archie.

The visit gave pupils and staff the chance to learn more about the role of police dogs, their training, and the work they carry out alongside officers.

Police said the afternoon was also an opportunity for positive engagement and relationship building between young people and the local policing team.

The visit appeared to be a hit with pupils — and with Stan and Archie, who were said to have enjoyed plenty of fuss and attention during the afternoon.