A new report out on 11 November demonstrates that when schools and housing providers work together closely they can achieve better educational performance, improve behaviour and boost the reputation of neighbourhoods.

The research schools, housing and the community was carried out by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) with support from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Communities and Local Government and Sunderland City Council.

It looks at how housing organisations have worked successfully with schools to boost educational performance, improve behaviour in school and in the community, cut exclusions and improve pupils' training and employment chances on leaving school.

-- Advertisement --

Poverty, social deprivation and neighbourhood decline has been shown to have a detrimental effect on educational outcomes and achievement.

Improved neighbourhoods, however, lead to more people wanting to live there which in turn can lead to more popular local schools. The research calls on more housing organisations to work closely with schools to benefit their own residents and the wider community.

John Thornhill, Co-Author of the research, said: "There are some fantastic examples of collaboration between schools and housing organisations around the country achieving real benefits for children, their families and the wider community. Housing organisations have grasped that their work doesn’t stop with providing homes but can have a much wider and long lasting impact. The wider impact of housing on education, health and care will be examined at a seminar on 10 December."

(CD/GK)