Government to Provide Funding for 'Attendance Mentors' in England's Most Affected Areas

The UK government is investing in "attendance mentors" to boost school attendance in England's most troubled areas.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, during a visit to Liverpool, will reveal a plan targeting 10 regions, including Blackpool and Walsall, where unexcused absenteeism is significantly above average.

Attempts to lower absenteeism rates, which have soared since before the COVID-19 pandemic, face criticism for not addressing the issue's severity. With over 1.5 million students missing at least 10% of their classes last year, the government's response is seen by some as inadequate.

The scheme, pioneered by Barnardo's charity in places like Middlesbrough, has now been extended to 15 "priority education investment areas," intending to reach thousands of pupils through a £15m Department for Education project.

Labour criticizes the move as insufficient, calling for comprehensive measures such as mental health support in schools, community hubs, and breakfast clubs to improve attendance. Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson plans to unveil her strategy soon.

Experts like Jessica Prestidge from the Centre for Social Justice argue for a broader national mentor program, noting the mismatch between the scale of absenteeism and the government's efforts.

Barnardo's highlights the success of their pilot mentoring program, sharing stories of personalized support overcoming attendance barriers, like a girl who couldn't attend school due to sharing a single pair of shoes with her mother.

With DfE data indicating that illness-related absences remain elevated, Keegan acknowledges the need for ongoing work to enhance school attendance.