The National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF) has consistently emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in relation to school attendance. We want all CYP to be able to maximise their attendance in a way that best meets their needs. We recognise that not every CYP will be able to attend education on a full-time basis. We believe that, for some, accessing education part-time or through alternative arrangements that better suit their needs should be supported.
The NNPCF has previously highlighted that punitive approaches to attendance for SEND CYP can add strain to families already under pressure. To ensure that CYP not only attend school but also engage meaningfully in education, schools must provide consistent support, reasonable adjustments, and early interventions. This includes ordinarily available provision and, where required, statutory support as outlined in Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The NNPCF has historically engaged with initiatives such as the Attendance Action Alliance, chaired by the Secretary of State for Education, to ensure that the challenges faced by SEND CYP are considered in national attendance strategies. We have stressed and continue to raise the importance of co-producing support mechanisms with families and eliminating any ‘blame culture’ associated with attendance issues. Strong joint working across all sectors, in partnership with families, is essential to supporting SEND students in attending school, in line with their needs, regularly.
The NNPCF were not invited to discussions on this current attendance campaign, however, we did provide feedback on the impact and concerns raised by parent carers regarding the previous campaign. We understand that both the previous campaign in 2024 and the current campaign (March 2025) have left parents feeling that the government’s approach fails to recognise the unique difficulties faced by SEND Children and Young People.
We understand that the campaign’s broad approach to attendance is perceived by parents and carers of CYP with SEND as overlooking the complex reasons behind absenteeism. The NNPCF has been clear that without addressing the root causes—such as unmet educational needs, bullying, or mental health challenges—simply urging attendance is ineffective and may strain relationships between families and schools.
In our previous feedback, we have also raised concerns about the perceived blame on parenting. Some parents feel that the campaign implies absenteeism results from poor parenting. This disregards systemic issues within the education system that fail to accommodate SEND Children and Young People adequately, along with some CYP who struggle with the environmental issues within a setting. This perception has led to feelings of frustration and alienation among parents who are already advocating tirelessly for their children’s needs.
The NNPCF would like to see the narrative around attendance to change focus. It would be helpful to frame the narrative to distinguish between those missing education (truant/holidays) and those physically absent from the setting but still engaging (where SEND issues allow) with education. This latter group covers those on reduced timetables, remote learning etc.
The NNPCF do acknowledge the Secretary of State’s commitment to SEND reforms to ensure that the needs of CYP with SEND are met, and we note the recent government blog on attendance, published on March 14, 2025 (Link), which states:
“It’s important to recognise that children with long-term medical conditions, serious mental health challenges, or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may encounter additional obstacles. For those experiencing complex barriers to attendance, schools should engage in compassionate discussions with both children and their families, collaborating to provide tailored support that meets their specific needs.”
However, the NNPCF acknowledge that many SEND parents and carers still feel that the current media campaign overlooks these commitments and lacks the necessary sensitivity and understanding of their children’s unique challenges, which we will raise though our ongoing engagement with the DfE.