New publications

This report aims to outline the value of play, and acknowledge policies already in place that provide opportunities for play. The report also offers recommendations for additional policies that would be ‘supported by the research evidence and the expert views of the play researchers and organisations consulted’. The full report is available online.

'The Vision aims to raise the general level of mathematical and scientific knowledge and provide confidence in the population and the skills employers need. There is currently excellent practice in primary and secondary schools and colleges across the UK’s four nations. The Vision for science and mathematics education from 5–18 years of age offers a way to build on these foundations and to ensure that the UK's education systems meet the needs of all in the 21st century.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.

This audit was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the welfare reform measure put in place to improve school enrolment and attendance. The full audit is available online.

The book is 'an impassioned but reasoned call to stop the privatization movement that is draining students and funding from our public schools. In a chapter-by-chapter breakdown,' the author 'puts forth a plan for what can be done to preserve and improve our public schools. She makes clear what is right about U.S. education, how policy makers are failing to address the root causes of educational failure, and how we can fix it.' From publisher's description. Originally published 2013, this edition available August 2014. See also review in the Education Review 12 April 2013.

'Poor white British boys and girls are educationally underperforming – but great schools have transformative effect. Good schools and teachers can make a huge difference to the academic achievement of children eligible for free school meals, MPs argue in their latest report... Eligibility for free school meals is commonly used as a measure of disadvantage, but there are many children just outside this group whose performance is also low. The Committee calls on the Government to look at how data from a range of Departments could be combined to develop a more rounded indicator of child socio-economic status for use when targeting intervention.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.

The People of Australia draws upon publicly available data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing, and provides detailed information on the characteristics of the Australian population. These characteristics include birthplace, language, education, religion, English proficiency and ancestry, amongst others. From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.