Tellus4: Delivering the survey

By Sarah Golden, NFER

Presentation at DCSF Conference:

The Use of Evidence in Policy Development and Delivery

9 February 2010

Changes to the survey process and content

Change of timing – from Summer to Autumn

Opportunity to increase sample size – numbers of schools and children and young people

Optional additional questions for LAs and schools – up to 4 from a question bank

Amended questions while retaining consistency for National Indicators

Improved accessibility – versions for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Optional questions Consulted LAs and schools Developed 26 questions related to ECM outcomes LAs selected 2 questions in May/June Schools selected 2 questions in June/July – could see what LA

had chosen Automatically included in questionnaire Most popular related to:

– Enjoyment of school– IT access at home– Changes to help them do better at school– Frequency of activities at home (eating together etc)– Range of statements relating to ECM outcomes

Improved accessibility Three versions developed

– Audio– Symbol– Signed (British Sign Language)

Questions amended slightly when ‘translated’

Completed by around 2% of the sample of children and young people as follows:

– Audio – 2800– Symbol – 1800– Signed – 600

Survey response

Survey live for 7 weeks from October 5th 2009

Administered through the Tellus4 portal

Response:– Around 254,000 children and young people in years 6, 8 and 10– Around 3,300 schools– 151 LAs and Service Children’s Education

Analysis

Data weighted at LA level: gender, age group and deprivation

Design effects calculated

NI calculations follow agreed formula

LAs excluded from NI calculations where they have insufficient responses

Key findings 1: National Indicators

NI50 – emotional health and wellbeing

NI69 – experience of bullying in the last year

NI110 – participation in positive activities

NI115 – misuse of substances

NI199 – satisfaction with parks and play areas

Emotional health and wellbeing

I have one or more good friends

When I’m worried about something I can talk to my mum or dad

When I’m worried about something I can talk to my friends

When I’m worried about something I can talk to an adult who isn’t my mum or dad

Experience of bullyingHave you ever been bullied when you are in school?

If yes, have you been bullied:

In the last year

In the last 6 months

In the last 4 weeks

I was bullied more than 1 year ago

Participation in positive activitiesWhich of these have you been to in your free time in the last

4 weeks?

Sports club or class (not in school lessons and only count where you’ve done sport not just watched it)

A youth centre or club to take part in organised activities

Art, craft, dance, drama, film/video-making group (not in school lessons)

Music group or lesson (not in school lessons)

Misuse of substances - AlcoholHave you ever had an alcoholic drink – a whole drink not just a sip?

In the last 4 weeks how many times have you been drunk?

None

Once

Twice

Three or more times

Don’t want to say

Don’t know / can’t remember

I have never been drunk

Misuse of substances - DrugsHave you ever taken drugs?

In the last 4 weeks, how often have you taken any of the following drugs?

Cannabis or skunk?

Solvents, glue or gas?

Other drugs (like cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, heroin, crack, speed, magic mushrooms etc.)?

Satisfaction with parks and play areasWhat do you think of the parks and play areas in your area?

Very good

Fairly good

Neither good nor poor

Fairly poor

Very poor

Don’t know

Further details

Sarah Golden: s.golden@nfer.ac.uk

The report will be available on the DCSF research website:

www.dcsf.gov.uk/research