Labour Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Enhance School Attendance and Mental Health Support

In an effort to improve school attendance across England, Labour’s proposed plan encompasses a range of measures, including enhanced mental health support for pupils. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled these initiatives, which were outlined at an event held at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) on Tuesday.

Key Proposals

1. Free Breakfast Clubs for Primary Schools

As part of Labour’s strategy, free breakfast clubs for primary schools are proposed, aiming to create a positive impact on pupil attendance and overall well-being.

2. Increased Funding for Early Speech and Language Interventions

Acknowledging the importance of early intervention, Labour’s plan emphasizes increased funding for speech and language programs, targeting potential barriers to effective learning.

Addressing Persistent Absence

Labour’s plan includes strategies to address persistent absence, considering the current scenario where more than one in five children in England are persistently absent from school, a figure that has doubled since the pre-Covid era.

1. National Register for Home-Schooled Pupils

To track children not in mainstream schooling, Labour proposes the creation of a national register for home-schooled pupils. This measure aims to address the challenges associated with non-traditional educational settings.

2. Utilizing Ofsted and AI for Attendance Monitoring

Labour envisions the use of Ofsted to review attendance data and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify trends in absence. This innovative approach involves linking with existing records in services such as social care to enhance attendance monitoring.

Funding Strategy

Addressing the funding aspect, Bridget Phillipson stated that these measures would be funded by “ending the tax breaks that private schools enjoy,” reflecting a commitment to redirect resources toward initiatives supporting broader educational welfare.

Backing from Education Expert

Labour’s plans have garnered support from Sir Kevan Collins, the former school catch-up tsar, who highlights the lasting impact of the pandemic on school absence and educational attainment. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Sir Kevan expresses the need for a comprehensive response to the current crisis in the education sector.

Government’s Response

In response to concerns about school attendance, the government announced a £15 million investment over three years, introducing 18 new attendance hubs. These hubs, totaling 32 across England, aim to provide tailored support to pupils at 2,000 schools, doubling the previous capacity.

Focus on Severe Absences

Conservative MP Robin Walker, chair of the education select committee, emphasizes the importance of addressing severe absences, suggesting a public information campaign to educate parents about the “right conditions” for students to stay home due to illness.

Education Secretary’s Commitment

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan declared attendance issues as her top priority, stating, “We want all our children to have the best start in life because we know that attending school is vital to a child’s wellbeing, development, and attainment.”

In conclusion, Labour’s comprehensive plan, combined with government initiatives, underscores the collective commitment to tackling school attendance challenges and ensuring the well-being of students in the evolving educational landscape.