Understanding the Local Challenge
Barnet is often viewed as a relatively affluent borough. However, beneath the headline figures lie pockets of persistent deprivation that continue to affect the life chances of many children and young people.
Recent reporting by Parliament Politics Magazine highlights a concerning achievement gap in educational outcomes, particularly for Black pupils, and most notably Black Caribbean students, at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4. These disparities raise important questions about equity, access, and the wider systemic barriers faced by some communities.
Poverty, Need, and Hidden Inequality
While Barnet’s child poverty rates—12.6% relative and 10.7% absolute—remain below London and national averages, these figures mask the lived reality in areas such as Mill Brook, where families face overlapping pressures linked to income insecurity, housing, and access to support.
In 2018, over 5,000 children in Barnet were identified as ‘children in need’. Although this is lower than the London average, the trend is rising, signalling increasing demand for early help and preventative services.
Mental Health and Educational Outcomes
Children and young people’s mental health is a critical and often overlooked factor in educational attainment. In 2020, 2.61% of Barnet school pupils were recorded as experiencing poor mental health. Evidence consistently shows that emotional wellbeing, confidence, and stability are directly linked to engagement in learning and long-term outcomes.
Without timely, trusted, and culturally responsive support, these challenges can compound—leading to disengagement from school, reduced aspirations, and increased vulnerability.
Our Commitment in Mill Brook
We are committed to understanding these challenges in their full context—not just through statistics, but through lived experience within the Mill Brook community.
Our approach focuses on:
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Early intervention and prevention
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Strength-based, trauma-informed support
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Addressing educational, emotional, and social barriers together
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Creating safe, consistent spaces where young people can build confidence, routine, and aspiration
By working alongside families, schools, and local partners, we aim to reduce inequality, improve outcomes, and ensure every child in Mill Brook has the opportunity to thrive—regardless of background or circumstance.