Labour’s Comprehensive Plan to Address School Absence in England

In a bid to combat persistent absence in English schools, a Labour government aims to implement a multifaceted plan, including the creation of a compulsory national register for home-schooled children. The proposed legislation would instate a legal obligation on councils to maintain a comprehensive register of all children not attending school, with parents required to furnish information about their child’s home education.

Harnessing Technology for Insightful Solutions

Labour’s strategy extends to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to identify absence trends by integrating existing records for children. This initiative aims to enhance coordination between education, social care, and other services supporting families.

Strengthening Oversight with Ofsted

To reinforce the oversight of attendance, Labour plans to empower the schools inspectorate, Ofsted, enabling them to review absence during annual safeguarding spot-checks. This step is part of a broader effort to enhance the accountability of educational institutions.

Holistic Approach to Improve Attendance

Labour’s proposal is not limited to administrative measures; it includes evidence-based early language interventions, increased mental health support, and the introduction of universal free breakfast clubs. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of absenteeism and contribute to a holistic improvement in school attendance.

Addressing Historic Levels of Absence

Tackling the persistently high levels of absence, exacerbated by disruptions from the pandemic, has become a priority. Currently, over a fifth (21.2%) of pupils in England are classified as “persistently absent,” having missed 10% or more school sessions during the autumn and spring terms of 2022-23.

Labour’s Commitment

Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to articulate these plans in a speech, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust between schools, families, and the government. She envisions a Labour government that prioritizes education, working towards excellence for all children and eliminating barriers to opportunity.

Counterpart Conservative Initiatives

Labour’s announcement follows the Conservatives’ recent plans, introducing 18 school “attendance hubs” and a national campaign to emphasize the importance of attendance. The focus on absenteeism underscores the bipartisan acknowledgment of the urgency to address this educational challenge.

Public Support and Opposition

While there is widespread support for a national register of home-schooled children from unions, local authorities, and child protection charities, the home schooling community expresses resistance. Education Otherwise argues against conflating home education with absenteeism.

In a separate development, London primary school pupils will continue to receive universal free school meals, with Mayor Sadiq Khan investing an additional £140 million to extend the scheme until the 2024-25 academic year. This move aims to alleviate financial burdens on families facing the cost of living crisis.

Endorsement from Jamie Oliver

Renowned chef and advocate for school meals, Jamie Oliver, commends Mayor Sadiq Khan for extending free school meals, highlighting the positive impact on both family finances and children’s well-being and educational success.