Longfield is right to say that tackling truancy requires a more co-ordinated approach. Good examples of the complexities often ignored in discussions of truancy are the difficulties faced by young carers.
Young carers miss school because they feel there is no-one else who will ensure the wellbeing of their family member. They fall behind with work and are often bullied, in contrast to home where they feel valued and useful. Families often hide their problems from statutory agencies and in most cases young carers are not known to be carers by their schools.
We are in contact with just under 10,000 young carers and we became aware of cases where parents have ended up in court after education welfare intervention due to their child's absenteeism. Usually, the result of this is that the court refers the family back to social services for more support.
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