We should all welcome Every Child Matters. It is socially just and will transform the life chances of young people such as Salma Haji, whose working-class background did not stop her graduating from Cambridge University (“Standstill on social mobility”, TES, March 28).
But recent research suggests growing income inequality determines lack of wellbeing among British children. Education should do all it can to promote economic wellbeing, but we will succeed only if we move towards the income equality of the Scandinavians.
Evidence from Richard Wilkinson, the social epidemiologist, among others, suggests that only when we are prepared to become a more equal society can all children achieve economic wellbeing. Unless politicians risk leading us in that direction, we face economic decline and potentially dire social consequences.
Andy Bowles Teacher trainer, Leeds Metropolitan University.