School absences: The school picking kids up from home to boost attendance
School absences: The school picking kids up from home to boost attendance
The Education Select Committee in England has highlighted the crisis of school absences and calls for national measures to address the issue. The number of children missing significant amounts of school has doubled since the pandemic, with factors such as mental health problems and financial pressures contributing to the problem. In Folkestone, Kent, where absence rates are higher than the national average, parents and schools are struggling. However, a school in the area has implemented a program to pick up and drop off children who are at risk of missing school, resulting in improved attendance.
Mental health challenges and support
Kelsey and her two children, Leo and Roxanne, faced eviction from their home, leading to their relocation to a flat far from their primary school. As Kelsey tried to stabilize their life, her mental health deteriorated, making it difficult for her to get the children to school. However, the school noticed their absence and started sending a minibus to collect and drop them off on particularly challenging days. The Turner Schools Trust then found places for the children at a school closer to their new home, resulting in improved attendance. Kelsey emphasizes the positive impact of accepting help and having someone to rely on.
Intensive support for families in crisis
The Education Select Committee report recommends that the kind of intensive support provided to families like Kelsey’s should be more widespread. Hayley Prescott, a family liaison worker at the school, highlights the challenges faced by families in crisis, such as eviction and temporary accommodation. The report calls for increased support and resources to address these issues and ensure that children are not missing school due to housing instability.
