EPI report: Absence rates are increasing among youngest children
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) has analysed the latest DfE statistics on pupil absence – overall absence in schools is reducing but they are some concerns.
One of their recommendations is for the Government to focus on and invest in early years to improve children’s outcomes.
EPI’s analysis of the absence figures show:
- Overall absence rates, as well as persistent absence rates, are falling and there are signs that severe absence is starting to plateau;
- Unauthorised absences are starting to fall;
- Absence gaps are narrowing for disadvantaged pupils but are widening for those with SEND;
- Absence rates are increasing amongst the very youngest.
They are starting to see absence rates rising in the earliest school years which “raises questions” about how well children are supported in their transition to school.
Jonathan Broadbery, NDNA’s Director of Policy and Communication, said: “Creating routines and structure can be incredibly important for children in the early years, helping with a sense of stability and supporting their emotional and cognitive development. However, early years are also a very distinct phase of a child’s development so this should not be reduced to just talking about attendance. It is vital that parents are supported to understand the benefits of formal and structured early education and care to build positive associations that will last into school age.
“Settings work very hard to ensure that the transition to reception is effective for children.
“Evidence shows that investing in early years has the greatest impact on children’s outcomes. It makes sense to ensure the Early Years Pupil Premium is at least the same as in primary schools. While the rate has increased this year, there is still too big a gap between the two.
“As well as improving the skills and knowledge of professionals in early years and schools to support children with SEND, the Government needs to do more to address shortfalls in council funding and access to support services. Each year we find councils using underspends in early years to prop up overspent high needs budgets and providers still report delays and differing levels of service for children and families in different parts of the country.”
Recommendations include:
- A focus on, and more investment in, the early years
- Increasing the rate of the Early Years Pupil Premium to match the rate in primary school
- As part of wider SEND reforms, prioritise training in child development and different types of SEND as a mandatory part of initial teacher training and early career development.
Read the full report here https://epi.org.uk/publications-and-research/examining-post-pandemic-absences-in-england-5/
- England
- early years
- England
- funding
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