Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

School Attendance Bill - Clause not specified, debate on third reading of the bill

17 May 2024 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

EducationChildren & Families

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Vicky Ford raised concerns about school attendance bill - clause not specified, debate on third reading of the bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill aims to address rising school absences by requiring local councils and schools to use services effectively to remove barriers faced by some children.
  • Every council will have to use its services to help remove attendance barriers, and every school needs a detailed publicised attendance policy.
  • Families must be aware of attendance expectations before choosing secondary schools, with guidance covering transport needs and special educational needs in detail.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

The Bill aims to address rising school absences by requiring local councils and schools to use services effectively to remove barriers faced by some children. It mandates that every council will have to use its services to help remove attendance barriers, every school needs a detailed publicised attendance policy, and families must be aware of expectations before choosing secondary schools. The guidance covers issues such as transport needs or special educational needs in detail. Schools will need to have named attendance champions and local authorities will meet representatives regularly to discuss cases needing multi-agency support, especially for persistent absences. The bill aims to reduce the disparity in support across different parts of the country.

Other contributors (7)
  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    Emphasised that regular school attendance is crucial for children's academic success and future opportunities, highlighting statistics such as only one in three persistently absent students achieving good GCSE results. Acknowledged the complexity of reasons behind absences but stressed the importance of early help and multidisciplinary support to ensure consistent support across all schools.

  • Nickie Aiken Lab Cannock Chase

    Agreed with Vicky Ford's Bill, emphasising that pupil absences not only impact the individual but also affect their class and teacher. Suggested that missed time can cause additional work for teachers to ensure the child catches up without affecting other pupils.

  • Anna Firth Con Brentwood and Ongar

    Congratulates Vicky Ford on her Bill, supports the aim of improving children's attendance in schools. Points out that Southend has a high level of persistent absence despite recent improvements. Supports the Education Committee’s view that the Department for Education’s guidance should be made statutory. Emphasises the need for a holistic approach involving schools, families, and local authorities.

  • Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op Feltham and Heston

    Supports Vicky Ford’s Bill as a first step but highlights that it is not sufficient on its own. Acknowledges the impact of poor attendance on children's attainment and future opportunities. Supports clause 1, which introduces a duty on local authorities to promote regular attendance. Proposes additional measures such as fixed-penalty notices for school absence, expanding breakfast clubs, addressing mental health issues, reviewing the curriculum, early language interventions, and introducing a 'children not in school' register.

  • Luke Hall Con Streatham

    The Government supports the Bill due to its ability to enhance clarity for parents and level up standards across England. Recent data indicates a reduction in persistent absence, with 440,000 fewer pupils persistently absent or not attending compared to the previous year. The Minister emphasises the importance of consistent attendance policies, highlighting improvements in mental health services and investments in school breakfast programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable children.

  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    The Bill aims to make the Education Department's guidance statutory, ensuring consistency across schools. The Minister's remarks about improving standards are acknowledged, but it is noted that Labour declined support for this initiative in a previous debate.

  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Offers brief congratulations to the right hon. Member for Chelmsford on her efforts regarding the Bill.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy