Is the First Week Crucial to Preventing School Absences for Your Kids?

New data indicates that pupils in England who missed school during the first week of September 2024 are significantly more likely to continue missing school throughout the year. Specifically, over half (57%) of those who were partially absent during that initial week transitioned to becoming "persistently absent," missing at least 10% of their school days. This trend raises concerns for educators and policymakers as they strive to improve attendance rates following the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• 57% of pupils partially absent in the first week became persistently absent.
• Only 14% of fully attending pupils during the first week became persistently absent.
• Overall, 18% of pupils were persistently absent in the 2024-25 school year.
• Attendance problems worsened after the pandemic, with current rates higher than pre-COVID levels.
• The government is implementing attendance and behaviour hubs to support struggling schools.
• Community support and addressing mental health are critical for improving attendance.

The Impact of Early Absence on School Attendance

Recent figures from the Department for Education (DfE) shed light on the critical nature of early school attendance. The data reveals that pupils who miss school at the beginning of the term are at a higher risk of long-term absenteeism. The statistics show a stark contrast between those who attended school fully in the first week and those who did not. The ramifications of these trends are significant, as persistent absence can affect academic performance and future opportunities.

Understanding Persistent Absence

Persistent absence is defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a given period. According to the latest data, 18% of pupils were classified as persistently absent in the 2024-25 school year. This figure is an improvement from the peak of 23% recorded in 2021-22 but remains above pre-pandemic levels of approximately 11%. The long-term effects of absenteeism can hinder academic success and diminish a child's life chances.

Challenges in Improving Attendance

Despite improvements in attendance since the pandemic's peak, significant challenges remain. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the need for schools and parents to work together to ensure children attend school consistently. She stated that every missed school day represents a risk to a child's future. Phillipson urged for renewed efforts as the new term begins, highlighting the importance of commitment from both schools and families.

The Role of Schools in Attendance Improvement

Schools have implemented various strategies to improve attendance rates. For instance, Karl Stewart, head teacher at Shaftesbury Junior School in Leicester, noted that while his school's attendance rates have returned to pre-COVID levels, there was a noticeable dip in attendance during the two years following the pandemic. Stewart attributed some absences to parents opting to keep children home if they exhibited symptoms of illness. He also mentioned the challenges posed by unauthorised term-time holidays, which some families take advantage of to save on travel costs.

Government Interventions and Support

The DfE has recognised that the beginning of the school term is crucial for tackling persistent absence. To support schools, the government is initiating attendance and behaviour hubs, aimed at providing resources and training to improve attendance. The programme includes 800 schools and is led by 90 exemplary schools that will share best practices. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still being evaluated, and some experts call for a more comprehensive strategy.

Addressing Mental Health and External Factors

Many of the challenges related to attendance are linked to factors outside the school environment. Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted the need for quick access to support services for students facing mental health issues and anxiety. He emphasised the importance of having role models in the community, such as youth clubs and volunteer groups, to help engage students and address their concerns holistically.

The Political Landscape and Educational Policy

Political discourse surrounding school attendance has intensified, with parties offering differing perspectives on how to address the issue. The Conservatives have argued that Labour's Schools Bill has disrupted a successful educational framework, while the Labour party has called for more robust measures to tackle behaviour and attendance challenges. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott underscored the need for clear consequences for poor behaviour to protect the learning environment.

What Lies Ahead for School Attendance in England

The upcoming school year poses both challenges and opportunities for improving attendance in England. As schools implement new strategies and government initiatives, the focus will remain on ensuring that students are present and engaged in their education. Stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers, must collaborate to create an environment conducive to learning. The long-term impacts of these efforts will be closely monitored, as the education sector strives to recover from the pandemic's aftermath.

FAQs

What is considered persistent absence in schools?

Persistent absence refers to pupils missing 10% or more of their school days, which can significantly impact their academic performance and future opportunities.

What measures is the government taking to improve attendance?

The government is implementing attendance and behaviour hubs, which consist of exemplary schools providing support and training to improve attendance rates in struggling schools.

How has school attendance changed since the pandemic?

School attendance has improved since the pandemic, but current persistent absence rates remain higher than pre-COVID levels, indicating ongoing challenges in ensuring consistent attendance.

Why do some parents take children out of school during term time?

Some parents opt for unauthorised term-time holidays to save on travel costs, while others may take their children for medical treatments abroad to avoid NHS waiting lists.

What impact does mental health have on school attendance?

Mental health issues, including anxiety, can significantly affect students' attendance, making it essential for schools to provide adequate mental health support and resources.

As schools embark on a new term, the focus on improving attendance is paramount. This effort involves collaboration between educators, parents, and community leaders to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. How can we further support students in overcoming barriers to attendance? #SchoolAttendance #EducationRecovery #MentalHealthSupport