Sophie Metcalfe
@sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social
Senior researcher in policymaking at Institute for Government - especially all things housing, planning and early years
Pinned
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
NEW REPORT | The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind. @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind. @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:16 AM
NEW REPORT | The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind. @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind. @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Very important new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk highlighting the challenges facing boys from low-income families.
The research unpacks the reasons why they fall so far behind, and reiterates the need for action to tackle gaps in outcomes for this group ⤵️
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
The research unpacks the reasons why they fall so far behind, and reiterates the need for action to tackle gaps in outcomes for this group ⤵️
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Focus on disadvantaged boys to hit school-ready target, DfE told
Successive governments have failed to tackle entrenched inequalities in early years outcomes for boys from low-income backgrounds, IfG report warns
www.tes.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Very important new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk highlighting the challenges facing boys from low-income families.
The research unpacks the reasons why they fall so far behind, and reiterates the need for action to tackle gaps in outcomes for this group ⤵️
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
The research unpacks the reasons why they fall so far behind, and reiterates the need for action to tackle gaps in outcomes for this group ⤵️
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Some disastrous numbers in this new IfG report. Less than half - half - of boys eligible for free school meals meet basic standards of early-years development.
November 20, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Some disastrous numbers in this new IfG report. Less than half - half - of boys eligible for free school meals meet basic standards of early-years development.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Fascinating new report from my colleagues on how boys from low-income families are let down
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Fascinating new report from my colleagues on how boys from low-income families are let down
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Really excited to share this new report today by me & @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social on the opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond.
Key findings 👇
Key findings 👇
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Really excited to share this new report today by me & @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social on the opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond.
Key findings 👇
Key findings 👇
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 AM
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Detail here on today's planning reforms:
1) Default permission for new homes "within reasonable walking distance" of train station, even on greenbelt
2) Government intervention if councils plan to refuse large sites
3) Review of statutory consultees
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
1) Default permission for new homes "within reasonable walking distance" of train station, even on greenbelt
2) Government intervention if councils plan to refuse large sites
3) Review of statutory consultees
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 18, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Detail here on today's planning reforms:
1) Default permission for new homes "within reasonable walking distance" of train station, even on greenbelt
2) Government intervention if councils plan to refuse large sites
3) Review of statutory consultees
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
1) Default permission for new homes "within reasonable walking distance" of train station, even on greenbelt
2) Government intervention if councils plan to refuse large sites
3) Review of statutory consultees
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
This is a tragic, beautiful piece that highlights the brutal reality of life for many repeat offenders.
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. I was tragically wrong
The long read: I knew he was running away from something. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered the truth
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM
This is a tragic, beautiful piece that highlights the brutal reality of life for many repeat offenders.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Reform-led Worcestershire County Council (WCC) have published a briefing about their financial position, explaining why they might have to raise council tax by 10%
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
October 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Reform-led Worcestershire County Council (WCC) have published a briefing about their financial position, explaining why they might have to raise council tax by 10%
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
A welcome clarification on the rules ‘gagging’ civil servants | Institute for Government
New guidance on civil servants speaking in public is a welcome return to common sense.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
We've had a few surprising moves in this reshuffle so far - one of the big ones is Shabana Mahmood becoming home secretary. On our liveblog I've given a bit of an overview of what she'll face coming in:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
Starmer government reshuffle: PM changes top team after Rayner's exit | Institute for Government
The IfG team analyse the moves as Keir Starmer reshapes his Cabinet.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 5, 2025 at 4:06 PM
We've had a few surprising moves in this reshuffle so far - one of the big ones is Shabana Mahmood becoming home secretary. On our liveblog I've given a bit of an overview of what she'll face coming in:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
New blog from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I reflecting on the Best Start in Life strategy.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
The early years were missing from last month’s SR, but Labour’s Best Start in Life strategy shows they are still committed. Read @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and my and my take on what it gets right - and what it’ll take to make it a reality.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/labo...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/labo...
Labour’s Best Start in Life Strategy has got off to a good start – now comes the hard part | Institute for Government
The government’s early years strategy signals strong intent, but will require confident, careful steering to make it a reality.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
July 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
New blog from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I reflecting on the Best Start in Life strategy.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
A mixed picture for the 'best start in life' strand of the Opportunities Mission in the SR today.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
June 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
A mixed picture for the 'best start in life' strand of the Opportunities Mission in the SR today.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
May 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
It's been brilliant talking to lots of early years experts for this series - many thanks to everyone who kindly gave us their time.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Thanks to all the early years experts who’ve shared insights on the govt’s opportunity mission.
Next up: boys eligible for free school meals – one of the most persistently left-behind groups.
More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/early-years-...
Next up: boys eligible for free school meals – one of the most persistently left-behind groups.
More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/early-years-...
Closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals | Institute for Government
Next steps for the IfG's work on school readiness.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 27, 2025 at 9:47 AM
It's been brilliant talking to lots of early years experts for this series - many thanks to everyone who kindly gave us their time.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
A big next step in the govt's Places for Growth strategy. With the right support, relocation can bring great benefits - see my write-up from visiting Sheffield policy campus here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
May 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
A big next step in the govt's Places for Growth strategy. With the right support, relocation can bring great benefits - see my write-up from visiting Sheffield policy campus here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Excellent new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social on how to take a preventative approach to homelessness.
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
A smarter approach to homelessness | Institute for Government
Prioritising prevention in the 2025 spending review.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 13, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Excellent new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social on how to take a preventative approach to homelessness.
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Enjoyed our Rewiring the State event this morning - lots to discuss, including our draft Civil Service Bill
[NEW] A new Civil Service Act
We have led calls for a new statute for the civil service to underpin its role as a vital part of the state, and to improve its management and oversight
Read our draft Bill designed to achieve these objectives 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
We have led calls for a new statute for the civil service to underpin its role as a vital part of the state, and to improve its management and oversight
Read our draft Bill designed to achieve these objectives 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
A new Civil Service Act | Institute for Government
The Institute for Government presents a draft Civil Service Bill.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Enjoyed our Rewiring the State event this morning - lots to discuss, including our draft Civil Service Bill
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Interested in joining the @instituteforgov.bsky.social? Our 2025-26 internship is now open for applications! Check out all the info at the link below
Interested in making government more effective? Applications for our 2025–26 research internship programme, starting in September 2025, are now open.
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
April 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Interested in joining the @instituteforgov.bsky.social? Our 2025-26 internship is now open for applications! Check out all the info at the link below
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
It’s time for my favourite video of the year
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
And if you want to know more what life as an IfG intern is really like, watch as our current interns discuss their experience and share their advice for applying youtu.be/fqCU3xhtP0Y
April 1, 2025 at 8:36 PM
It’s time for my favourite video of the year
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Planning reform given big emphasis in Rachel Reeves' statement today, including key measures from last week's Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
Five key changes set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill | Institute for Government
What is the potential impact of the government's planning bill?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Planning reform given big emphasis in Rachel Reeves' statement today, including key measures from last week's Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
Check out @theipaper.com write-up of our report on school readiness - setting out which groups of children are falling furthest behind even at age 5, and what this means for the government's opportunities mission.
NEW: Fascinating new @instituteforgov.bsky.social report on school readiness
What is the impact of gov's target - for 75% of 5 year-olds to be ‘school ready’ by end of the parliament - on its "break down barriers to opportunity’ mission?
Full @theipaper.com write up:
inews.co.uk/news/educati...
What is the impact of gov's target - for 75% of 5 year-olds to be ‘school ready’ by end of the parliament - on its "break down barriers to opportunity’ mission?
Full @theipaper.com write up:
inews.co.uk/news/educati...
Less than half of boys from deprived backgrounds ready for school aged five
New analysis has found just 43% of boys from deprived backgrounds are deemed school ready in comparison to 60% of girls
inews.co.uk
March 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Check out @theipaper.com write-up of our report on school readiness - setting out which groups of children are falling furthest behind even at age 5, and what this means for the government's opportunities mission.
NEW report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on school readiness:
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Policy making for left-behind groups: School readiness | Institute for Government
How can government start closing the opportunity gap in early years education?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
NEW report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on school readiness:
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
A very big week for @instituteforgov.bsky.social and our Inside Briefing pod. We’re recording in Hull now and our instalment featuring the PM will land in your podcast feeds tonight.
We’ve just recorded this week’s Inside Briefing - with the prime minister joining us following today’s speech in Yorkshire.
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social’s interview with Keir Starmer will be landing in your podcast feeds tonight www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-podcasts...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social’s interview with Keir Starmer will be landing in your podcast feeds tonight www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-podcasts...
March 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
A very big week for @instituteforgov.bsky.social and our Inside Briefing pod. We’re recording in Hull now and our instalment featuring the PM will land in your podcast feeds tonight.