Keeping children in the classroom is seen as key to getting them into jobs (Image: Richard Swingler)
The life chances of Britain’s children are in jeopardy with 39% of Year 11 pupils “persistently absent” during their GCSE exam term, according to a shocking new analysis. Campaigners fear the number of young people not in education or work will rocket unless children stay in the classroom and gain they skills they need to thrive.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the “damaging impact of the pandemic” continues to “proliferate across education”.
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He pointed to research by the Centre for Social Justice – the respected think tank he founded – which warns unless school absence returns to pre-pandemic levels “we should expect to add about 20,000 to the NEET – Not in Education Employment or Training – statistics each year”.
Claiming that “parents are central to getting our kids back to school”, Sir Iain pushed for a national strategy to get families and schools to work together.
He said the “trajectory into work begins years before children leave school,” adding: “Their life chances are being formed day-by-day, week-by-week by those small choices – among other things, whether or not to go to school today.”
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A Children’s Society said: “When 39% of Year 11 pupils are missing critical GCSE preparation time, and severe absence has tripled since pre-pandemic levels, it is clear that systems are failing young people, leaving them adrift... Poverty, mental health pressures and the lingering impact of disruptions due to the Covid pandemic have created a perfect storm.
“We know that being out of school can leave young people at greater risk of exploitation without the protective environment formed from daily contact with teachers, friends and support networks.”
Molly Kingsley of Us For Them described the figures as a “harsh reminder of the disastrous consequences of school closures”.
She said: “If we want to get pupils back to the school we have to first and foremost make school a place where children want to spend time. Otherwise we should not be surprised when pupils continue to vote with their feet.”
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A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The Government inherited a broken system, with children and families facing poor outcomes and barriers to opportunity. The case for tackling the epidemic of school absence could not be clearer: improved grades, higher wages, better life chances.
“Tackling this issue is everyone’s responsibility – Government, schools, parents, and children – and we need a national effort to get our kids back in the classroom. We have made some encouraging progress this academic year, but more must be done and this month we have brought together ministers and over 2,000 school leaders up and down the country to share best practice to drive up attendance.
“As part of our plan for change, we determined to turn the tide on poor attendance and break down barriers to opportunity - whether it’s through free breakfast clubs, improved mental health support, additional investment in family support, or more focus from Ofsted.”