Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has issued a strong warning. She is focusing on the dangers of persistent absence. This warning comes as children return to school for the new term. New data reveals a very strong correlation. Over half of pupils missing the first week later became persistently absent. This compares to just fourteen percent of full attendees.
Therefore, Phillipson urges a collective effort. She says parents and schools must “double down” now. Furthermore, she emphasizes the start of term is absolutely crucial. Missing just a day or two early on creates significant risk. Consequently, a child’s life chances can be dramatically affected.
Furthermore, the statistics on persistent absence are concerning. Currently, about eighteen percent of pupils are persistently absent. This figure is lower than the post-pandemic peak. However, it remains much higher than pre-Covid levels. The Department for Education says the first week is critical for setting patterns.
Head teachers understand this challenge deeply. Karl Stewart, a head teacher in Leicester, saw a post-Covid dip. His school uses incentives like awards and competitions. He states results are simply better with high attendance. Teachers can provide more support and notice good work. Yet, challenges remain like term-time holidays and medical trips.
The government’s strategy includes a support-first approach. Fines remain an important tool but are a last resort. Additionally, eight hundred schools will get extra support. They will join attendance hubs led by exemplary schools. These hubs share best practices for improving attendance.
However, experts argue for a broader strategy. Pepe Di’Iasio of the ASCL says hubs are not a silver bullet. He emphasizes challenges from outside school gates. These include high anxiety levels and mental health issues. He advocates for quicker specialist support and community role models.
The opposition criticizes the current approach. They argue the government dismantled previous successful systems. They also stress the need for clear consequences for poor behavior. Ultimately, everyone agrees on the core problem. Persistent absence threatens educational outcomes. Therefore, a strong start to the term is essential for every child’s future.
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