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Written Out, Written Off Campaign 

All children deserve to get the most from their education. Education is crucial for enabling children reach their full potential both during childhood and into adulthood. It is a proven route out of poverty as it gives children the tools to create the future opportunities they deserve.

However, educational inequality remains stark in Ireland with a parent's social and economic position being key determinants of a child's educational outcomes. Barnardos believes that investing in children's early and primary education is crucial, even in a recession.

Through our experience of working with children and families, we see the daily lived experience of children dealing with educational disadvantage and how it can impact on their lives - both present and future.

Written Out, Written Off demonstrates how failing to invest in education is a false economy that cost children and society much more in the long term."

Written Out, Written Off Online Survey

We are looking for feedback from anyone involved in or concerned about the education system and the impact any cutbacks may be having on children. Your experiences will strengthen the voice of all of us who want to ensure that every measure possible is taken to protect children's education.

Have your voice heard; take part in our Educational Disadvantage survey.

Written Out, Written Off Report  

Written Out, Written Off highlights the social inequalities that still exist in the Irish education system, the consequences of early school leaving, insights into the progress of the Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools (DEIS) strategy and the likely impact of cutbacks within the education budget that have been made in reponse to the current economic recession.

The report was compiled using commissioned research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) who undertook a literature review exploring different aspects of and measures to combat educational disadvantage in Ireland and abroad. This review also aimed to provide a snapshot of how the current educational disadvantage strategy Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools (DEIS) is working and to assess the likely impact of the cutbacks within the education sector announced in Budget 2009 and since. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with a selection of key stakeholders, DEIS principals, parents and children to gain their opinions on how the educational system is working and recommendations to improve it. 

Download a copy of the Written Out, Written Off report here (pdf)
Download a copy of the ESRI research paper here

Read Barnardos' press release here

Seminar

Barnardos held a Seminar to launch Written Out, Written Off campaign on 13th May 2009. 

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