Shocking School Absence Figures
A shocking record number of pupils are severely absent from school, with over 150,000 kids missing more than 50% of their classes. A staggering 1.6 million children are persistently absent, missing more than 10% of school, according to new figures.
Disproportionate Impact on Disadvantaged Kids
The Department for Education statistics, covering the Summer term of 2023, have raised alarm bells that bunking off school is becoming entrenched. Absence rates are up 12% from the previous term, with an 80% hike since before the pandemic. Disadvantaged kids, especially those on free school meals, are more than three times as likely to skip school.
Call for Action
Education chiefs are calling for ministers to "get a grip" of the crisis. Beth Prescott, Education Lead at the Centre for Social Justice, expressed concern over the record high figures for severe absence, stating that failure to address this issue will have enduring consequences for the children, wider society, and the economy.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/small-businesses-lose-trust-in-government-new-polling-reveals/
