What teaching approaches and learning environments are most effective in helping children to concentrate, grasp new ideas, develop skill (such as writing), retain knowledge, transfer knowledge, and be motivated to learn?
• How do these things vary for different groups, such as students with SEND, disadvantaged children and for different age groups? Why are these approaches most effective and how can we scale them up?

Background

Every child and young person, regardless of their background, must be able to achieve and thrive, particularly at school, to develop the knowledge and skills they need for life. Thriving centres on both feeling good (having a high subjective wellbeing and a positive sense of belonging), and doing well (having a positive sense of accomplishment, autonomy, and physical and mental health). Our areas of research interest regarding this pillar of the Opportunity Mission span; attainment; SEND; attendance; health and wellbeing both in and out of school; school belonging and engagement; and enrichment activities and childcare for school- aged children. (For brevity, please read all references to children as encompassing both children and young people where appropriate.)

Full details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-education-areas-of-research-interest

Next steps

Get in touch with research.engagement@education.gov.uk