School attendance across England still hasn’t recovered for many children since the pandemic – and the gap between rich and poor pupils is growing.
Latest data analysis from the Child of the North #ChildrenFirst series, shows that:
- Children with Education Health and Care Plans are seven times more likely to miss more than half their school sessions.
- Pupils on Free School Meals are four times more likely to have severe absence.
- Suspensions are nearly four times higher for pupils with special needs or living in poverty.
“Too many children are being failed by a system that doesn’t meet their needs,” said Professor Caroline Bond, who co-led the research alongside Dr Luke Munford at The University of Manchester.
“School absence isn’t just about skipping lessons – it’s often a sign that families are struggling. We need to rebuild trust, improve mental health support and make schools more welcoming places for every child.”
Caroline Bond, Professor of Educational Psychology, The University of Manchester
The researchers say progress on attendance since the pandemic has been slow – and for some children, things are getting worse. They’re calling for a joined-up approach that brings together schools, families and community services. This could include:
- Family Hubs which offer early help, advice and activities to support school readiness
- More flexible routes through education, like apprenticeships and internships
- Enrichment activities, mental health and careers support to support pupil’s broader engagement with learning
- Stronger relationships between teachers, pupils and parents
- Involving young people in decisions to increase their sense of belonging and safety
“Every missed day of school means a missed opportunity. This research shines a light on the urgent need to fix attendance and make sure every child gets the education they deserve.”
Baroness Anne Longfield, founder of the Centre for Young Lives.
“If we want to give every child a fair start in life, we need to fix attendance – and that means fixing the barriers that stop children from feeling they belong in school.”
Professor Mark Mon-Williams, Report Series Editor
#ChildrenFirst builds on a major series of reports produced last year on key topics identified by Northern child health leaders as major issues of concern, including poverty, special educational needs, school attendance and mental health. The reports included evidence-based plans and recommendations for policymakers to help address these issues.
The #ChildrenFirst campaign also includes the launch of toolkits designed to help schools, child health workers and local authorities take practical steps to improve the health and wellbeing issues faced by the children and young people in their care.