Supplementary memorandum by Dr Janet Dobson,
University College London
In considering the impact of immigration on
schools, the number of children involved is a major consideration.
The available statistics do not give us a clear, unambiguous picture
of this. However, it is important to be aware of differing definitions
of "immigrant children", which may help to explain some
of the variation in numbers quoted.
Immigrant children
"Immigrant" is in itself an unclear
term. The International Passenger Survey (IPS) counts as incoming
migrants those intending to stay in the UK for at least a year,
having previously lived overseas for at least a year. Some children
who enter the school system may not be recorded in the IPS as
migrants because their parents are coming for less than a year.
Others may, for various reasons, stay for a longer or shorter
period than stated on entering the country. The total inflow of
children into the UK each year includes both British and non-British
children, as does the outflow. Some enter the private education
sector.
"Children" is also an imprecise term.
The age range differs in different sets of data produced for different
purposes. The IPS statistics included in my submission to the
Select Committee related to the age range 0-14, since comparable
data was not available for the 5-16 age group.
The IPS is a small sample survey and the margin
of error for numbers of migrant children in any particular year
is high. The grouping of data into five year periods smooths annual
fluctuations which may be due to sample size or specific events.
To assess the cumulative effect of international
migration on numbers of children in schools over a given period,
it is necessary to look at outflows as well as inflows. The IPS
data suggests that the period 2000-04 saw a higher net
inflow of non-British children than in preceding periods.
Non-British children of compulsory school-age
arriving from overseas and joining state schools in the UK
My evidence to the Committee was concerned with
the impact of new arrivals from overseas, particularly non-English
speakers, who have already passed the normal school starting age
when they enter the UK and who join state schools. Their numbers
will be fewer than the next category.
Non-British children born overseas who join state
schools at ages 5-16
Non-British children born overseas who join
UK schools each year will include those who entered the country
aged 0-4 and who are starting their primary education at the normal
time. In other words, it would be possible for international migration
to cease but for there to be an increase in "immigrant children"
in schools. Their numbers will be fewer than the next category.
Children of parents of foreign birth in state
schools
This category includes children born in the
UK as well as those entering the country after being born overseas.
Given the age-structure of adult immigrants from A8 countries,
this could be a burgeoning number. Thier numbers will be fewer
than the next category.
Children from ethnic minorities
"Ethnic minority" is sometimes confused
with "immigrant". An ethnic group is recorded for each
child in the pupil-level annual schools' census (PLASC). Many
school-children categorised as "ethnic minority" have
parents who were themselves born in the UK. Change in the proportion
of ethnic minority pupils in the school population depends to
a significant extent on change in the ethnic composition of the
young adult population and the fertility of women in different
groups. It can also result from changing designation/self-ascription
of ethnicity.
Final points
i) Children come and go. Not all families
put down roots. Even those who do may return for significant periods
to country of origin, with disruptive consequences for children's
education.
ii) The number of under fives has major implications
for early years provision and associated costs. Given the emphasis
of current government policy on the early years, this needs to
be taken into account.
9 December 2007
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