New absence figures released

The latest figures on absence rates have been published by the Department for Education showing absence for the first half of the 2023-24 academic year. The figures, while still staggeringly high, are lower than the same point last academic year, although only slightly. Current figures show:

• Persistent absence rate (10% sessions missed) = 20.7% or one-fifth of pupils
• Overall absence rate = 7%

While these are still higher than pre-pandemic levels, the trend is that they are reducing. However, when delving deeper into the detail, it is a worrying picture for those with SEN compared to those without.

Figures for Autumn Term 2023/4

From the figures above, there is a disparity between the absence for those with SEN and those without. Both the figures for those with an EHCP or those on SEN Support are noticeably higher than that for those without SEN. What is driving this? Could this be linked to the decreasing levels of support being provided within settings?

In February, the Government published new statutory guidance, to be implemented from 19th August 2024, that will require schools to share daily attendance returns at least once a month, and explains that parent fines will increase. There is also a new national attendance ambassador, Rob Tarn, CEO of Norther Education Trust, who will work with schools to champion attendance, share effective practice and support the ongoing attendance hubs programme.