THE NUMBER of vulnerable or disadvantaged children absent from state-funded schools has sparked concern from education groups.
In Brighton and Hove, 22.1 per cent of children eligible for free school meals were absent from school in the last week of March, while Sussex overall had an average of ten per cent of pupils off in the same period, according to figures from the Department for Education.
It is not known how many children were off due to Covid, though pupils can be listed as absent for many reasons, including general sickness, disciplinary action or unexpected situations.
Responding to the figures, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is urging the government to act by investing in services for children most at risk of missing school.
Geoff Barton, the ASCL’s general secretary, said: “The high rate of absence is because vulnerable and disadvantaged children have become disengaged from education.
“It is very clear that Covid is continuing to wreak havoc and it is hard for schools to operate under these conditions.”
A spokesman for the Department for Education said it was pushing forward with plans to require schools to have an attendance policy that must meet national standards.
He said attendance advisers have been brought in to assist local authorities who will “continue to implement best practice among social workers, mental health practitioners and other health officials”.
The last week of March also had an increase in absentees nationally, with 11.4 per cent of pupils off during the period, up from 9.7 per cent in February.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said the disruptions may continue well into the future.
“The ‘living with Covid’ plan is looking increasingly like an ‘ignoring Covid plan’ when it comes to schools,” said Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT.
“We are not out of the woods yet.”
Absences also affected teachers, with an average of 8.4 per cent of teachers off across Sussex during the same period.
In Brighton and Hove overall, 12.1 per cent of pupils were off school in the last week of March.
Data is collected from schools which responded during that period.
Brighton and Hove City Council has been contacted for comment.
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