Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pupil Absences

Monday 23 October 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Paul Maynard inquired about steps to reduce pupil absences, noting the importance of monitoring pilots like those in Blackpool.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted the Government's commitment to improving attendance, mentioning the attendance hub that supports over 800 schools and 400,000 pupils.
  • Chris Bryant asked for specific work to provide protection and support for children with brain injuries who face cognitive and attendance issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Maynard Con
Education Mental Health
Context

The MP noted that persistent pupil absence remains a concern, particularly in areas with high deprivation levels.

Question

What steps she is taking to reduce the number of pupils persistently absent from schools. I am concerned about progress being slower than desired and the need for effective monitoring pilots like those in Blackpool.

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Improving attendance is a top priority; the attendance hub supports 800 schools and 400,000 pupils, while 86% of schools use data tools to identify at-risk students. Special programmes assist vulnerable groups including those with social workers or mental health issues. The Government's supporting families programme offers £200 million for whole family support, with six family support workers in Blackpool aiding attendance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding a meeting with School-Home Support was not directly addressed; the answerer suggested a future discussion without committing to an immediate action or timeline.

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Q2 Paul Maynard Con
Education
Context

The MP highlighted the need for whole family support models in addressing persistent absence, especially in deprived areas like Blackpool.

Question

As the Secretary of State has said, progress in reducing persistent absence is not as fast as anyone would like, and in places such as Blackpool the attendance monitoring pilots will be crucial. Will the Secretary of State meet me, along with representatives of School-Home Support, to hear about the pertinent lessons that they have learnt in Blackpool?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

I agree with School-Home Support's work in Blackpool; the Government's supporting families programme offers £200 million for whole family support, including six family support workers helping 11 schools. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Schools would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss these issues further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of scheduling a meeting with School-Home Support representatives was not directly addressed; the answerer suggested a future discussion without commitment to an immediate action or timeline.

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Q3 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Education Children & Families
Context

The MP highlighted the challenges faced by children who have suffered significant brain injuries and need ongoing support.

Question

Kids who have had a brain injury often receive care at school initially, but may face cognitive problems later on, leading to poor attendance and behavioural issues. Can the Secretary of State commission specific work to provide protection and support for these children?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Of course we want all children to be helped to get into school; schools should make adjustments if children need them. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Schools will be happy to meet him as well in order to understand further what more can be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of commissioning work on brain injury support was not directly addressed; the answerer suggested a meeting without committing to an immediate action or timeline.

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