Belonging is moving from the margins of educational debate towards the centre of policy and accountability. The Department for Education’s white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, signals a clear policy direction towards children’s sense of belonging and engagement, with an expectation that every school will monitor this by 2029. Before schools select surveys, set targets and produce dashboards, however, we need to be clearer about what belonging is and what the evidence allows us to claim. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in