CYP Now - Report slams ‘significant lack’ of government action to tackle root cause of school absences

Mental health experts have criticised a lack of action by the government to tackle underlying issues behind persistent school absences such as poor emotional wellbeing and poverty.

Action is needed to tackle other root causes of absenteeism, including racism, bullying and poor housing, according to researchers. Picture: DGLImages/Adobe Stock

Tackling risk factors such as poor mental health in early years is among “the most effective preventive measures” that can be taken to tackle poor attendance.

But a report by the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition and the Centre for Mental Health warns there “has been a significant lack of action” by government in this area.

Instead, ministers are introducing stricter rules around fines for parents of absent children, while enacting “substantial cuts to preventative support”.

The coalition and centre’s report warns that public health spending per person has been slashed by a quarter over the last nine years, which has led to reductions in emotional wellbeing support for young children and cuts to school nurse and health visitor numbers.

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