Ofsted to launch national research into preventing young people becoming NEET

Ofsted is set to launch a major national research project examining how young people can be prevented from becoming disengaged from education or falling into the NEET category – not in education, employment or training.

The research, due to begin during the next academic year, will look at approaches being used to identify and support young people who may be at risk of disengagement, with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention.

Becoming NEET can have significant long-term consequences for young people, affecting future employment prospects, financial independence, health and wellbeing. Those facing disadvantage, additional needs, poor attendance or disruption to their education can be particularly vulnerable to becoming disconnected from education and employment.

Ofsted’s national-scale project will examine the strategies being used across the system to keep young people engaged and help them make successful transitions into further education, training or work.

The research could also help identify effective practice and areas where greater coordination is needed between schools, colleges, local authorities, employers and other organisations supporting young people.

The project comes amid wider concern about persistent absence, young people’s participation in education and the barriers some face when moving from school into further education, training and employment.

Findings from the research are expected to provide greater insight into what works in preventing young people from becoming NEET and how services can intervene before disengagement becomes entrenched.

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