Teachers in England and Wales are increasingly sceptical about the necessity of full school attendance, suggesting that occasional term-time holidays may be more beneficial than time spent in school. This perspective emerges from a report highlighting a significant attendance crisis, where nearly one in five children miss at least 10% of school. Many educators believe that the relentless enforcement of attendance policies may do more harm than good, damaging relationships with families and failing to address deeper issues of disengagement.
The report reveals that teachers feel overwhelmed by the pressures of ensuring attendance, often prioritising the mental health and well-being of students over strict adherence to school policies. With rising numbers of children classified as ‘hidden Neets’—those not in education, employment, or training—educators express concern that punitive measures like fines may alienate families rather than encourage attendance.
As the education system grapples with these challenges, the focus on attendance may need to shift towards fostering engagement and support for students facing barriers to learning. Teachers argue that building trust and relationships with families is crucial for re-engaging students who have become disillusioned with the school system.
This shift in perspective could have long-term implications for educational policy and practice, as schools may need to adapt their approaches to better support students’ diverse needs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic’s impact on education.
Source: The Guardian
