Experts from The University of Manchester are warning that school attendance across England still hasn't recovered for many children since the pandemic - and the gap between rich and poor pupils is growing.
Their findings are the latest in the Child of the North #ChildrenFirst series, which calls for urgent action to help every child stay in school and thrive.
The data shows that:
- Children with Education Health and Care Plans are seven times more likely to miss more than half their school sessions.
- Pupils on Free School Meals are four times more likely to have severe absence.
- Suspensions are nearly four times higher for pupils with special needs or living in poverty.
"Too many children are being failed by a system that doesn't meet their needs," said Professor Caroline Bond, who co-led the research alongside Dr Luke Munford.
The researchers say progress on attendance since the pandemic has been slow - and for some children, things are getting worse. They're calling for a joined-up approach that brings together schools, families and community services. This could include:
- Family Hubs which offer early help, advice and activities to support school readiness
- More flexible routes through education, like apprenticeships and internships
- Enrichment activities, mental health and careers support to support pupil's broader engagement with learning
- Stronger relationships between teachers, pupils and parents
- Involving young people in decisions to increase their sense of belonging and safety
"Every missed day of school means a missed opportunity," said Baroness Anne Longfield, founder of the Centre for Young Lives. "This research shines a light on the urgent need to fix attendance and make sure every child gets the education they deserve."
The Child of the North campaign is a partnership between the N8 Research Partnership and Health Equity North which brings together universities across the North of England - including Manchester, Leeds, Durham, York, Lancaster, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle - to push for fairer futures for children across the North of England.
"If we want to give every child a fair start in life, we need to fix attendance - and that means fixing the barriers that stop children from feeling they belong in school," said Professor Mark Mon-Williams, who leads the campaign.
