Appendix 4: Details of selected measures used in the EPPE study
A.4.1 The Multiple Disadvantage Index
The Multiple Disadvantage Index was developed as part of the Early Years Transition & Special
Educational Needs (EYTSEN) Project which focuses on the identification of children ‘at risk’ of
SEN). An index was created based on 10 indicators in total: three child variables, six parent
variables, and one related to the early years home learning environment (HLE). All the variables
were chosen because they related to low baseline attainment when looked at in isolation. Where
indicators were closely related, such as English as an additional language (EAL) and ethnicity,
only the most significant was included.
Child variables
• First language: English as an additional language
• Large family: 3 or more siblings
• Pre-maturity / low birth weight
Parent variables
• Mother’s highest qualification level: no qualifications
• Social class of father’s occupation: Semi-skilled, unskilled, never worked, absent father
• Father not employed
• Young Mother (Age 13-17 at birth of EPPE-child)
• Lone parent
• Mother not working / unemployed
• Low early years home learning environment (HLE)
A.4.2 The Key Stage 1 Home Learning Environment (HLE)
HLE Factors and the items loading on these factor:
• Home Computing
• The Child plays on a computer by them self.
• Respondent plays computer games with the child.
• Respondent uses computer with the child in educational ways.
• Parent-Child enrichment outing/activity outside the home.
• Respondent visits library with the child.
• Respondent does sport/physical activity with the child.
• Respondent goes on educational visits with the child.
• Parent-child one-to-one interactions at home
• Respondent plays with the child using toys/games/puzzles.
• Respondent reads to the child.
• Respondent listens to the child read.
• Expressive play
• The Child plays ‘make believe’ or pretend games.
• The Child paints/draws/makes models.
• The Child enjoys dance music and movement.
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