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School Attendance Bill - Clause not specified, debate on third reading of the bill
17 May 2024
Lead MP
Vicky Ford
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
EducationChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 7
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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