Government statistics reveal an increase in absence rates over time, the education select committee states, launching its investigation.
In the autumn term of 2021, the most recent period for which data is available, 24 per cent of pupils were classed persistently absent – meaning that missed 10 per cent of lessons or more.
This is an increase of 13 percentage points compared with the 2018/19 academic year.
Robin Walker, committee chair, said: “We must look urgently at ways to reverse this damaging trend that appears to have worsened during the pandemic.”
According to the statistics, disadvantaged pupils are more likely to miss school.
In autumn 2021, 34 per cent of pupils who were eligible for free school meals were persistently absent compared with 20 per cent of those who were not.
Rates of persistence absence was also higher for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), according to figures.
The inquiry will examine links between pupil absence and factors such as economic disadvantage, SEND, ethnic background, and clinical vulnerability to Covid-19, with a focus on rates of attendance at alternative education settings.
It aims to gather evidence as to how pupils and families can be better supported to improve attendance, and will consider whether the provision of breakfast clubs, free meals, and after-school activities has a positive impact.
Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, has welcomed the launch of the inquiry, writing on Twitter: “I have made school attendance one of my key priorities. Fantastic to see the education select committee launch an inquiry into this important area and looking at how we can support disadvantaged/vulnerable pupils.”
The cross-party committee will question experts on the government’s proposals to improve schools’ data collection on attendance.
Ministers have also proposed introducing fines for absence as part of a new national framework.
Walker said: “We will look at how targeted support can help to improve attendance and seek evidence as to what works both within and beyond the school system to create a positive culture of attendance.”
The committee has issued a call for evidence to be submitted by 9 February 2023.
