Seven in 10 teachers say unexplained school absences are rising, study finds

25 April 2024 , 11:28

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150,000 school children around the UK are now classed as severely absent (Image: Kellogg's)

Seven in 10 UK teachers have noticed unexplained school absences rising among their pupils – with 150,000 children across the country now deemed as severely absent from education, a report has shown.

A survey of 500 teachers, at both primary and secondary schools, found that 16% of the students they teach have missed school during this academic year, for other reasons than holidays or sickness.

And they predict that some of the top reasons for this include mental health issues (59%), anxiety (46%), a rise in bullying (22%) – and a lack of support for youngsters who have additional educational needs (31%).

Meanwhile, almost a third of educators (31%) worry that parents are struggling to afford school uniforms or equipment amid the cost-of-living crisis. And 34% feel that some students no longer see the point in attending classes – after falling so far behind during Covid.

But while 73% of the teachers polled worry about these children falling behind with their learning, others are concerned about the impact it could have on their social skills (66%) and their mental wellbeing (62%). And over half (53%) also believe that absenteeism also affects other children in class.

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The research was commissioned by Kellogg's, to launch the Kellogg's 2024 Breakfast Club Awards. And it comes after a separate report, by the Centre for Mental Health, and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Charity, found that a fifth of children miss school at least 10% of the time.

Some common reasons for this include poor mental health, anxiety, and a rise in bullying (Halfpoint Images/Getty Images)

A spokesman for Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards, said: “School is such a huge part of childhood, but a large number are missing it for a variety of reasons. As the research shows, this is becoming a wide-reaching problem, and not only affects the child who is missing school, but also the rest of the class.

“Breakfast clubs can play a part in helping to get children back in school, by providing a relaxed and social environment for them to enjoy before starting lessons.

“Having breakfast provided also takes a small bit off the pressure felt by parents who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and allows them to ensure children are in school before they start work.”

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found that 44% of teachers say unexplained absences from school make their own job harder, as four in 10 spend more time simply trying to get pupils into school, rather than actually teaching them.

In fact, an estimated six-and-a-half hours of their working week is currently spent dealing with absenteeism.

And it is not just the child’s learning that suffers when they miss school – as 63% think it reduces their confidence, and their behaviour when back in school (61%), while 57% say their friendships also suffer.

To encourage children to attend class, some have gone above and beyond by visiting the child’s home (21%), offering extra tuition out of school hours (19%) – or even collecting the youngster from home themselves (17%).

But half of teachers who work in schools with breakfast clubs, say these make a positive difference to attendance (Kellogg's)

But of the 84% who work in a school with a breakfast club, nearly half (46%) feel these have a positive impact on absenteeism.

And of those who feel this way, 59% believe that access to a free breakfast helps pupils concentrate, and makes them less likely to fall behind, while 58% think it’s easier for struggling parents to get children into school if food is provided.

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Others think it helps by allowing parents to ensure their child is in school before they start work (53%), and by calming them down before lessons, leading to less need for discipline (41%).

Maura Furber, headteacher at St. Stephens Community Academy, in Cornwall, said: ‘’Our school has been running a breakfast club for 10 years now, and it’s been incredible to see the positive impact it has.

“Not only does it set the children up for a day of learning, but it also has a consequent impact on the attendance of our pupils. Since introducing our club, we’ve seen big reductions in absenteeism.

“Children genuinely look forward to coming into school to have breakfast with their friends – it’s an opportunity to burn off some energy, play games, and ease in before learning begins. This means it’s less of a challenge for parents to motivate their children in the mornings to get them into the classroom.

“I’ve seen it first-hand, where we’ve really struggled to get children into school and seen it begin to impact their education, until they’ve joined the breakfast club and turned a real corner.”

The spokesman for Kellogg’s, which is offering schools the chance to win £1,000 for its breakfast club, added: “We understand the important role breakfast clubs can play in a pupil’s life, as well as the impact it can take on tackling absenteeism. We hope that by continuing to support the scheme, we can help to get children back into school and thriving.”

Gemma Francis