Parents need to help children more, says Clegg

(GETTY IMAGES)

Britain is afflicted by "social segregation", the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, warned yesterday.

He singled out universities as riven by "educational apartheid", dominated by students from better-off homes. He vowed that the Government would try to boost the life chances of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Increased levels of attendance at university have not translated into higher levels of social mobility," he said.

Venturing into "perilous waters for politicians", he told parents that they should spend as much time as possible in the schooling of their children.

"Parents hold the fortunes of the children they bring into this world in their hands. All parents have a responsibility to nurture the potential in their children. I know how difficult it can be to find the time and the energy to help with homework at the end of a busy day. But if we give them that kind of attention and support when they are young, they will feel the benefits for the rest of their lives."