## Introduction
In an effort to address the persistent issue of school absence in England, the Labour Party has proposed a series of measures, including the implementation of a compulsory national register of home-schooled children. This legislation aims to ensure that all children are accounted for and receiving an appropriate education, while also leveraging artificial intelligence to identify absence trends and improve coordination between education and support services. With historically high levels of absence exacerbated by the pandemic, both Labour and the Conservatives are prioritizing this issue ahead of the upcoming general election.
A National Register of Home-Schooled Children
Labour’s proposed legislation would place a legal duty on local councils to maintain a register of all children who are not attending school, including those who are being educated at home. Parents would be required to provide information about their child’s education, ensuring that no child slips through the cracks. This national register would provide crucial data for monitoring and supporting home-schooled children, empowering local authorities to ensure they receive a suitable education.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Identify Absence Trends
In addition to the compulsory register, Labour plans to utilize artificial intelligence to analyze existing records and identify absence trends. By joining up education, social care, and other relevant services, Labour aims to improve coordination and early intervention for children at risk of persistent absence. This data-driven approach will help schools, local councils, and support services identify patterns and implement targeted interventions to address the root causes of absenteeism.
Strengthening Safeguarding Measures
Labour also intends to empower the schools inspectorate, Ofsted, to review absence as part of its annual safeguarding spot-checks. This heightened scrutiny will ensure that schools are actively addressing and monitoring attendance issues. By incorporating absence into safeguarding assessments, Labour aims to create a comprehensive approach to student well-being, recognizing that consistent attendance is crucial for a child’s educational progress and overall development.
Evidence-Based Early Language Interventions
Recognizing the importance of early language development, Labour plans to introduce evidence-based interventions to support children in developing strong language skills. Research has shown that language proficiency is closely linked to educational attainment, and addressing language barriers early on can help bridge the achievement gap between different socioeconomic backgrounds. By investing in targeted language interventions, Labour aims to equip all children with the necessary communication skills for success in school and beyond.
Increased Mental Health Support
Labour’s plan also includes an emphasis on increased mental health support for students. The disruption caused by the pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental well-being, and addressing these issues is crucial for their overall educational success. By providing additional resources and training for schools to support students’ mental health, Labour aims to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that promotes positive well-being and resilience.
Universal Free Breakfast Clubs
Another initiative proposed by Labour is the introduction of universal free breakfast clubs. Recognizing that hunger can be a significant barrier to attendance and concentration in school, Labour aims to ensure that all children start their day with a healthy meal. By providing free breakfast clubs, Labour seeks to remove financial barriers and ensure that every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive academically.
Building Trust and Prioritizing Education
Labour’s shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, highlights the need to rebuild trust between schools, families, and the government. She emphasizes Labour’s commitment to putting children first and making education a top priority. Phillipson envisions a future where background does not hinder opportunities and where schools deliver high standards for all students. By addressing issues of absenteeism and the attainment gap, Labour aims to create a more equitable education system.
Support for Mandatory Register
Unions, local authorities, and child protection charities have long advocated for a mandatory national register of children not attending school. These organizations argue that a register would help keep track of children and ensure they are receiving a suitable education. The NAHT school leaders’ union supports the proposed legislation and emphasizes the importance of providing up-to-date information to local authorities to maintain an accurate register.
Opposition from Home Schooling Community
However, the proposal has faced opposition from some within the home schooling community. Education Otherwise, an organization that supports families educating their children outside of school, argues that the proposed register conflates home education with absenteeism. They believe that home education should be respected as a valid choice and should not be equated with children being absent from school.
Continued Investment in Free School Meals
In a separate announcement, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has pledged to invest an additional £140 million to extend universal free school meals for primary school pupils in the city. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families struggling with the cost of living crisis. Jamie Oliver, a prominent advocate for school meals, applauds the extension of free meals and highlights the positive impact nutritious food has on children’s well-being and educational success.
Conclusion
Labour’s plan to tackle school absence in England encompasses a range of measures aimed at ensuring all children have access to quality education and support. From a compulsory national register of home-schooled children to utilizing artificial intelligence to identify absence trends, Labour seeks to address the root causes of absenteeism and provide targeted interventions. By strengthening safeguarding measures, investing in early language interventions, increasing mental health support, and introducing universal free breakfast clubs, Labour aims to create an inclusive and nurturing educational environment that promotes excellence for all children, regardless of their background.