Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Accepted
Paragraph: 166
Conduct further research on attendance barriers for migrant pupils and those with high absence rates.
Recommendation
We heard that pupils with English as an additional language, or migrant pupils face some specific barriers to attendance. Although we asked if pupils from other ethnic minority groups faced barriers to attendance, such as Pakistani pupils, and White and Black Caribbean pupils with above average rates, we found little research or evidence on the topic. The Department should conduct further research on the barriers to attendance for migrant pupils, and those with above average rates of absence.
Government response summary AI-generated
The Government cites existing research and will continue its current programme of research, including an evaluation of the attendance mentors programme, to further understand attendance barriers and inform future research priorities.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
166
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
98. Migrant pupils are a very diverse group with a wide range of needs. Research utilising a case study approach encompassing qualitative data collection from school staff, governors, parents and pupils (NIESR, 20194) highlighted several issues that affected the attendance of migrant pupils including: a lack of familiarity with the education system, the practice of taking term time breaks including for visits abroad to visit family, attend special occasions, and issues of parental trust (regarding children’s welfare at school).
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