Earlier this month co-chairs Tina Emery, Mrunal Sisodia, with the incoming co-chair Sarah Clarke, met with Attendance Action Alliance, chaired by Minster Gillian Keegan, as Secretary of State for Education.
This meeting had a keen focus on those children and young people who are Children in Need (CIN) and SEND, and the impact of low school attendance potentially has on long term outcomes. These cohorts are less likely to continue education after 16 years and are more vulnerable to becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). It was recognised that similar concerns and rates of attendance is being seen across the G7.
The NNPCF advocated the difficulties experienced by children and young people with SEND on school attendance and the importance of coproducing the support required with families for pupils to be able to access school. Including removing any ‘blame culture’, along with the importance of consistent reasonable adjustments being made by schools. The need for strong joint working across all areas in partnership with families was also highlighted, to support all SEND & CIN cohorts back into schools. Ensuring that the work starts early in the summer term, enabling pupils to start in September with their peers, as there is a strong correlation between attendance at the start of the academic school year and attendance being maintained.
The NNPCF have consistently been raising the need for a joined up supportive, not punitive approach for last 2 years as children have returned to school. In response to our requests the DfE recently published a blog on what constitutes reasonable adjustments. Forums should share this with parents and with schools in their local areas.
You can read more about the Attendance Action Alliance on the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/attendance-alliance-group