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Absence rates higher among pupils eligible for free school meals

2 mins read Education
The overall absence rate for pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) was more than double that of their peers amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Department for Education figures have revealed.
The persistent absence rate for FSM pupils was around three times greater than for non-FSM eligible children. Picture: Adobe Stock
The persistent absence rate for FSM pupils was around three times greater than for non-FSM eligible children. Picture: Adobe Stock

While the absence rate was 7.8 per cent among those eligible for FSM, this dropped to 3.7 per cent among pupils who are not eligible.

The figures are for 2020/2021, a period blighted by lockdowns during the pandemic.

During this period many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) were allowed to attend school, despite school closures. However, the absence rate among pupils with an education, health and care plan in place was 13 per cent over the year.

The DfE says that schools were advised to grant a leave of absence to children where this was requested by a parent.

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