School Attendance is Declining — Here Is What You Can Do About It
School Attendance Is Declining — Here Is What You Can Do About It.
Written By: Ross Thompson
The Decline in School Attendance is a Growing Concern
The latest data from the UK academic year 2023-2024 paints a deeply concerning picture. Approximately 120,000 children were recorded as missing from education at some point during the 2022-2023 academic school year, marking a staggering 23% increase from the previous year.
This number accounts for about 1.6% of all school-age children in the UK. Even more troubling is the fact that around 1.7 million students – roughly 24% of the total school population – were persistently absent during the same period.
Persistent absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school sessions. These alarming trends highlight the growing challenges of ensuring regular school attendance. Additionally, emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA) is on the rise, with an increasing number of students struggling with mental health issues, anxiety and unhappiness with their school environment.
Understanding the Impact on Families
These statistics outline the serious issue of school absenteeism in the UK. The significant increase in children missing from education and the high percentage of persistently absent students indicate that more and more families are struggling to overcome the barriers to regular school attendance.
The rise in emotionally-based school avoidance is particularly worrying, as it reflects a deeper (and often hidden) struggle that children are facing. This includes dealing with anxiety, bullying or a general sense of disconnection from their school.
For many parents, these challenges can be overwhelming, leaving them feeling powerless and unsure of how to best support their child.
A Compassionate Approach to School Refusal
As a Resilience & Mindset Life Coach, and the Strategic Safeguarding Manager of a Pupil Referral Unit, I understand the emotional impact this situation can take on both parents and children.
It's important to recognise that school refusal and absenteeism are not just about a lack of willingness to attend school but are often rooted in complex emotional and psychological factors.
This is why a compassionate and strategic approach to attendance issues is essential. Parents can begin by promoting open communication with their child to understand their fears and anxieties.
It's also crucial to create a supportive home environment that encourages resilience and a positive mindset. Establishing a routine, celebrating small successes and maintaining patience are key elements in helping your child regain confidence and a sense of normality.
Working with Schools and Professionals
In addition, parents should not hesitate to seek external support when needed. Collaborating with the school and mental health professionals can provide a broader understanding of the issues at hand and open up avenues for effective support and interventions.
Schools have resources and strategies that can be tailored to meet the needs of your child, but it’s important to approach these conversations with a clear plan and a positive mindset.
Remember, you are your child's best advocate, and working in partnership with the school can lead to more effective solutions and wraparound support.
Need further support?: Join the next Access & Attend School Session Online!
If you find yourself struggling with these challenges, I invite you to join one of my monthly intervention sessions, "Access & Attend School."
This 1-hour online group session is designed specifically for parents and carers facing the difficulties of school non-attendance. In this session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to school attendance, including those that are less visible.
We will explore practical strategies to encourage your child to return to school and address school refusal and emotionally-based school avoidance. You’ll also learn how to confidently approach schools for support and reduce the stress and worries associated with school non-attendance.
As a bonus, participants can request a letter of attendance for use with schools or local authorities, at no extra charge. This may be helpful for parents facing potential penalty charges from the local authority.
Join other like-minded parents and carers to feel empowered, regain control, and help your child navigate their way back to regular schooling.
To view the dates of upcoming sessions and to book your place, click here. You can also book on via Eventbrite.
Ross Thompson
Empowering and upskilling young people, adults, professionals and parents through specialist coaching and intervention.
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