Responding to new analysis of pupil
absence from school post-pandemic by the Education Policy
Institute (EPI), Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school
leaders' union NAHT, said:
“It is really important that children attend school whenever
possible, and we know school leaders and their staff work
tirelessly to improve attendance.
“While it is positive to see an improvement in the overall
figures, it is concerning that this improvement is not as great
among some of the most disadvantaged pupils and those with
special educational needs. It is clear that more must be done to
tackle the underlying causes unauthorised absence – and that this
cannot fall to schools alone.
“For many years, government investment in crucial services like
social care, CAMHS and SEND support - which can play a key role
in addressing issues like mental ill-health and challenges
outside of school which may affect pupil attendance - has failed
to keep pace with demand. Key roles like education welfare
officers, who worked directly with families to support
attendance, have been cut.
“The new government's welcome promise to better join up services
must signal the start of concerted action to tackle pupil
absence, and NAHT stands ready to lend its support.”
