9
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Persistent absence and…
Accepted in Part
There is evidence that prior to the pandemic, fines played a role in reducing unauthorised absence. However, it is less clear if they are an effective deterrent for families who are facing some of the current barriers to attendance we have outlined. We heard that fines do not address the …
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There is evidence that prior to the pandemic, fines played a role in reducing unauthorised absence. However, it is less clear if they are an effective deterrent for families who are facing some of the current barriers to attendance we have outlined. We heard that fines do not address the barriers that low-income families face and can be counterproductive by adding to difficult financial circumstances (as discussed in chapter 7). Families are struggling with high school costs, and in some cases, fining is not an appropriate, compassionate, or helpful response. It is clear fines and other legal measures have a use in some circumstances, but the Department does not monitor or regulate the use of fines and prosecution and what methods of support have been offered before they are applied. We also heard that they are used inconsistently due to local authority discretion. We understand the Department recognises this and consulted on the use of legal interventions in July 2022, but we are disappointed by the lack of urgency and action from the Department to effect change in its consultation response.
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Government response AI summary
The government published its consultation response in August 2023, confirming its commitment to improving consistency in local enforcement and welcomes evidence for future regulatory or legislative changes to establish a national framework, while reiterating its commitment to making guidance statutory when parliamentary time allows.
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Department for Education
11
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Persistent absence and…
Accepted in Part
We welcome the increase in attendance mentors and the expansion of attendance hubs. Geographical alignment with Education Priority Investment areas gives some insight into the Department’s priorities but we are persuaded that measures need to be rolled out nationally to support persistent and severely absent pupils effectively. The Department should …
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We welcome the increase in attendance mentors and the expansion of attendance hubs. Geographical alignment with Education Priority Investment areas gives some insight into the Department’s priorities but we are persuaded that measures need to be rolled out nationally to support persistent and severely absent pupils effectively. The Department should roll out attendance interventions nationally. Given the success of the Attendance Mentors Programme to date, the Department should start by implementing a national roll out of attendance mentors. (Paragraph 63) 64 Persistent absence and support for disadvantaged pupils
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes support for attendance mentors and hubs, announcing a further expansion of the attendance hub program and an intention to double the number of hubs. It will consider options to expand mentoring investment to more local areas in 2024/25, but stops short of …
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Department for Education
34
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Persistent absence and…
Accepted in Part
The Department should also implement better signposting to ensure local authorities, schools and families are aware of these measures. The Department should consider whether to require a single point of contact within each local authority that families can refer to for help with support.
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The Department should also implement better signposting to ensure local authorities, schools and families are aware of these measures. The Department should consider whether to require a single point of contact within each local authority that families can refer to for help with support.
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Government response AI summary
The Department agrees to seek opportunities for better signposting of support for low-income families but explicitly rejects requiring a single point of contact within local authorities, stating existing avenues for support are sufficient.
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Department for Education