Schools are gearing up to boost student attendance following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is introducing a plan where each school will have specific minimum attendance targets to ensure students are present and engaged in their learning.
Currently, one-third of schools are struggling to enhance their attendance rates. Starting this month, schools will receive AI-powered minimum attendance improvement goals tailored to their unique circumstances, such as location, student needs, and deprivation levels.
These attendance improvement targets, known as ABIE, will be customized based on individual school profiles. Schools will be compared against similar schools to track progress, although these targets will not be made public or used for formal inspections by Ofsted.
The aim is for the performance data to guide support efforts, including through Regional improvement for standards and excellence (RISE) teams. Additionally, 36 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs are being launched to provide personalized support to students.
While the government emphasizes the importance of boosting attendance levels, some teaching unions have expressed concerns about additional pressure on schools already facing challenges.
Education Secretary Phillipson highlighted the significance of students being present in school to excel academically. By collaborating with schools to establish tailored targets, the government aims to address attendance disparities and ensure all students have the necessary support to attend school and thrive.
Before the pandemic, the overall absence rate stood at 4.7%, which rose to 7.6% in the 2021/22 academic year. The number of persistently absent pupils, those missing more than 10% of school days, has nearly doubled since the onset of the pandemic.
Despite improvements overseen by the Labour party, there is a commitment to returning to pre-pandemic attendance levels. School leaders’ union NAHT and the Association of School and College Leaders urge the government to focus on providing practical resources and support rather than imposing additional targets on schools. They emphasize the need for dedicated school attendance officers to assist families in addressing barriers to attendance and supporting children’s return to school.