Narrowing the Gap
Newcastle is now part of this key national project. 'Narrowing the Gap' is concerned with improving outcomes for vulnerable children and those who are most at risk, with a view to reducing the differences/deficits in outcomes between these groups and children and young people as a whole - whilst improving outcomes for all.
Narrowing the Gap is a two year Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) funded project that started in June 2007. The project has five themes (or key lines of enquiry), all of which are deliberately intensely practical. The focus of the project is on 3-13s but with some consideration of the issues for under-3s and for 14-19s.
An introduction - How to use the 'Narrowing the Gap' pack
Narrowing the gap - an overview
Where are the gaps? An overview of the data by NFER
What seems to 'make the difference' the top 10 golden threads
The critical 'building blocks'
What research is telling us - a review of literature and evidence by NFER
An introduction - How to use the 'Narrowing the Gap' pack
The following information contains all the material that has been produced during the first phase of the Narrowing the Gap project. It is designed to be used by everyone working with or for children and young people and their families across the children's sector - locally, regionally or nationally.
An Introduction - How to use the 'Narrowing the Gap' pack? (52.7 KB, pdf)
Narrowing the gap - an overview
This section sets out an overview of the Narrowing the Gap project, what we are doing and why. It tells you where the project has got to, and what can be learnt from the work so far. It also gives a short description of each of the elements of the project to date, which, taken together, gives us some strong messages about the complex whole system change needed to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Narrowing the Gap - An Overview (104.7 KB, pdf)
Where are the gaps? An overview of the data by NFER
This section gives a summary of what the data tells us about the gaps in children's outcomes and the gaps in data collection, through an analysis of available data. This was undertaken by NFER and is also essential reading for everyone. Those who are interested in the detail behind the summary can access the full report in appendix A.
Where are the gaps? An overview of the data by NFER (194.2 KB, pdf)
What seems to 'make the difference' the top 10 golden threads
This section is drawn from the evidence and from extensive work with a wide range of stakeholders. These 10 golden threads have to be taken together, applied universally and pursued relentlessly to achieve significant change. These are of interest to everyone but in particular are essential reading for those responsible for leading and managing services.
What seems to 'make the difference' the top 10 golden threads (75.1 KB, pdf)
The critical 'building blocks'
This section sets out the critical 'building blocks' that need to be in place to 'make the difference' based on the professional judgement of practitioners and organisations, informed by the NFER reviews.
The critical 'building blocks' (434 KB, pdf)
What research is telling us - a review of literature and evidence by NFER
This section provides a summary of a review of available literature and research by NFER. The full report can be found in appendix B.
What research is telling us - a review of literature and evidence by NFER (4.7 MB, pdf)
The next steps
Section seven provides some concluding thoughts for policy-makers and deliverers of children's services alike. It also briefly sets out the next steps for the Narrowing the Gap project. It also gives an understanding of how vital our contribution fits within the overall scope of the project.
The Next Steps (83.8 KB, pdf)
Research studies
Appendix A - An overview and analysis of available datasets (37.2 MB pdf)
Appendic B - A review of the research evidence (813.8 KB, pdf)
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