Virtual discussion on childhood disadvantage - Helen Wareham

Representatives from DIAL organised an opportunity for projects to have an online discussion at the end of June 2020 with EU commission members around the subject of childhood disadvantage[1]. In addition to SEED there are a number of DIAL projects which have a focus on childhood with three of those joining the discussion; IMCHILD (the impact of childhood circumstances on individual outcomes over the life-course)[2], GUODLCCI (Growing up Unequal? The Origins, Dynamics and Lifecycle Consequences of Childhood)[3], and PremLife (Life Course Dynamics after Preterm Birth – Protective Factors for Social and Educational Transitions, Health, and Prosperity)[4].

Each DIAL project giving a brief presentation (less than 10 minutes), giving an overview of the most relevant aspects of our research that could inform EU policy and any possible recommendations that we had. There was a consensus across all projects that efforts had to continue to try and reduce social inequalities, and more specifically support for parents (whether this was through parental leave policy, community support initiatives such as sure start etc.).

Following the presentations broader discussion took place. There were of course questions and talk of the current pandemic and what was going to happen in the future, with any forthcoming responses and interventions needing to be adapted. Discussions were also had around the availability of large-scale data and issues of harmonisation across countries. There was indication from the commission that there would be more detailed analysis around income quintiles and early childhood education and care (ECEC) in the future.

Specifically, around ECEC there was discussion about the issue of quality versus quantity when it comes to childcare, that while the availability of nursery and childcare care provision had increased the standards and quality were now a focus and area of priority.

A summary of the meeting can also be found on the DIAL website: https://dynamicsofinequality.org/second-dial-eu-stakeholder-meeting-overcoming-childhood-disadvantages/

Last modified: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:07:55 BST