The third report from the 'Equalities' series of the Children's School Lives (CSL) study has been published. It is the eleventh report from the longitudinal study examining the experience of primary school children in Ireland, led by researchers in UCD School of Education, which commenced in 2019.

The report entitled 'Migration and Ethnicity in Children's School Lives,' looks at the  impact of the increasing migrant, ethnic and linguistic diversity in Irish primary schools.

Professor Dympna Devine, Principal Investigator and lead author of the report, said: "The report highlights the ambition and hunger for learning among children of immigrant background as well as the difference primary schools make to their positive settlement in Irish society."

She said: "We need to remain attentive to the challenges some face and ensure schools and educators are fully supported in doing so.”

In addition to the increase in diversity in Irish primary schools, key findings from the report included consistently high aspirations and positive engagement of children of immigrant background, alongside the need for literacy support, especially for first-generation immigrant children post pandemic. 

The researchers found there are concerns for children of immigrant background regarding wellbeing and self esteem, especially first-generation immigrant children and those of minority ethnicity (‘other white’/Eastern European), as well as concerns about friendship and belonging. 

Most children were found to be committed to equality and fairness with respect to migration and ethnicity. However, there is concern about increasing experiences of racism and bullying of black, mixed race and ’other’ minority ethnic children in fifth and sixth class. 

There is evidence of strong engagement and capacity among Traveller children with respect to their learning in the earlier years of primary school. However, there is concern over the progression of Traveller children from second class onwards, including the impact of school closures and remote schooling during the pandemic. 

Professor Devine said: "This is the eleventh report published from this landmark study, and the third in the series on equalities in children’s school lives. Combined, the CSL study, funded by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, is providing a robust evidence base for reform of the primary school system in Ireland. Unique in the priority it accords to children’s voices and experiences, the study is highlighting the strengths of care and support for children within the primary school sector but also the gaps that detract from equality of experience and rights for all children."

CSL is a ground-breaking large scale longitudinal study that details the lived experiences of almost 4,000 children in 189 primary schools throughout Ireland. The study aims, across its six years of data-gathering, to learn directly from children and from significant adults in their lives, about their journey from junior infants to sixth class, as well as better understanding their transitions into and out of primary school.

The CSL study is Ireland’s first in-depth study of primary schools led by Professor Dympna Devine and Assistant Professors Seaneen Sloan, Gabriela Martinez Sainz and Olga Ioannidou from UCD School of Education, commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Read the full report and find past reports at cslstudy.ie/news/.