Commenting on the National Foundation for Educational Research report into ways in which schools can support pupils in secondary school pupils returning from absence, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said;
“We wholly agree with the recommendations of this report and have been calling for the measures outlined for some time now. The message is clear: fines punitive action and bribery are not working. More students are struggling with anxiety and unmet SEND need leading to increased absence and fewer are getting the individual support, specialist input and pastoral back up they need to return to and remain in school.
“What is needed to address the attendance issue is to make mainstream schools more inclusive by introducing a curriculum and assessment system that is fit for purpose and investment in SEND and mental health specialists to reduce waiting times for support. Schools cannot be expected to continually do more with less. There can be no hiding from the fact that without funding and resources many children and young people will simply not gain access to the support they deserve and should be entitled to”.