New figures reveal a significant rise in unauthorised absences in Shropshire schools, with a rate of 1.3% during the coronavirus pandemic. The Association for School and College Leaders (ASCL) highlights complex factors contributing to the problem, including mental health issues, lack of support for children with special educational needs, and the cost of living crisis.
New figures from the Department for Education show 49,000 of 3.8 million school sessions were missed without permission by pupils in Shropshire. It meant children in the area had an unauthorised absence rate of 1.3 per cent.
The Association for School and College Leaders said attendance is"one of the biggest challenges" schools must face, with several complex factors contributing to the problem. "It will take concerted government action to address these issues, all of which are linked to high levels of pupil absence, and ensure all children are getting the support they need at the right time," she added.
In the 2018 to 2019 spring term, the unauthorised absence rate was 1.2 per cent, meaning it has increased by 75 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.
Unauthorised Absences Shropshire Schools Attendance Coronavirus Pandemic Mental Health Special Educational Needs Cost Of Living Crisis
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