Nursery World - Too much, too late

Is spending on education going to the age groups where it is most effective? Vidhya Alakeson argues for a redistribution of funds In last week's budget, the Chancellor renewed the Government's commitment to education: an additional 650m to rebuild primary schools; a 1.5bn programme to refurbish further education colleges; and up to 75 a week in allowances and benefits to keep more 16- to 18-year-olds in education. But investment has failed to break the link between family background and attainment, as many had hoped.

In last week's budget, the Chancellor renewed the Government's commitment to education: an additional 650m to rebuild primary schools; a 1.5bn programme to refurbish further education colleges; and up to 75 a week in allowances and benefits to keep more 16- to 18-year-olds in education. But investment has failed to break the link between family background and attainment, as many had hoped.

Talented children from disadvantaged homes are still far less likely to do well at school and go on to university. More money from the Chancellor is unlikely to change this. The UK invests too much, too late in education and training to bring about major improvements in life chances.

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