The Attendance Crisis: Free live webinar this Sat, 1-2pm

Hello friends

Since the COVID pandemic, persistent absenteeism in England has more than doubled, from 10% to 22%. According to recent research by the Centre for Social Justice, more than one in four parents agree it is not essential for children to be in school every day.

Both the main political parties have announced plans to tackle the attendance crisis. Often, there is an assumption that school is the best place for children to be, and blame is laid at the feet of the parents.

What's going on? Why are so many young people voting with their feet? Are the politicians correct - is school the best place for young people to be? Do the parents have a point - is it 'essential' for children to attend school every day? How do we think about attendance currently - and how else could or should we think about it?

This Saturday, 1-2pm UK time, I’m hosting a free live webinar to explore these questions. I will be joined by:

• Ben Davis - Headteacher, St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Salford

• Ellie Costello - Director of Square Peg and author of Square Pegs: Inclusivity, compassion and fitting in: A guide for schools

• Dr Naomi Fisher - Clinical psychologist specialising in trauma, autism and alternative education. Author of Changing our minds and A different way to learn

Hope to see you there!

Until the next time…

James

Dr James Mannion
Director, Rethinking Education