Factors Contributing to Children’s School Absences

Consistent school absence rates are higher in Norfolk than the national average, prompting an examination of the individual circumstances behind these figures. For secondary schools, the total in Norfolk reached 38.1% during the 2022-23 academic year, in contrast to a national figure of 28.3%. In primary schools, the rate was 18.9%, compared to 17.2% nationally. Persistent absence is defined as missing 10% or more of potential school sessions, which is equivalent to approximately seven days per term. On the previous Friday, 19 parents and guardians, representing 11 children, appeared before magistrates in Great Yarmouth. They were required to account for their children’s consistent absence from school between December 2023 and July of the current year. The BBC attended seven hearings that day. The organization chose not to disclose the identities of the children or the schools involved, and the names of the parents and guardians have been altered. Alison informed magistrates that she feared her 15-year-old son, who was abusive towards her. While his school attendance had improved since September, Alison stated she lacked control over him. Becoming tearful, she testified: “When I am not working and he wakes up in the morning he gets abusive, and I get scared of him, and I don’t want to fight with him.” Alison received a six-month conditional discharge and was mandated to pay £76 for prosecution costs and a victim surcharge. Andrea’s 13-year-old daughter recorded an attendance rate of 59% between February 12 and May 10, missing 39 days of school. Paul, the girl’s stepfather, explained that she experienced a short-term memory problem impacting her learning capacity. He stated: “Feminine hygiene was an issue and we have spoken to the doctor about that.” He further added: “The school refused to let them go to the toilet at certain times. She gets embarrassed, and she was sitting there uncomfortably.” Paul was directed to pay £56 in a fine and victim surcharge. Andrea was ordered to pay £167. Chris and Sue acknowledged their daughter’s school absence, noting she missed 12 days between March 4 and May 3. However, they attributed this to their 14-year-old daughter experiencing difficulties with her periods and being denied permission to use the toilet to change sanitary products. Sue commented: “I didn’t want to put her on the pill because she’s so young, but I had to. At the minute she’s all good so it’s solved the problem for her.” The court was informed that her attendance had been 94% since September. Both parents received a six-month conditional discharge and were instructed to pay a £26 victim surcharge each. Adrien and Hanna confessed to not consistently sending their seven-year-old child to school between January 8 and March 29. Hanna stated: “She often produces flu-like symptoms with a runny nose and cough and often when the phlegm releases itself in a cough she feels nauseas and vomits.” Adrien further explained: “My wife suffers from ill health and on some occasions she is not able to take the children to school.” He continued: “I have changed my working hours. I now work nights, which allows me to do the school run both in the morning and in the afternoon.” The couple was ordered to pay a combined total of £254, covering a fine, victim surcharge, and prosecution costs. David and Susan’s 15-year-old daughter was absent from school for 37 days between March 25 and July 5. Her parents indicated they had initiated consultations to determine if she had ADHD. They reported that issues arose when the school implemented a no-phones policy, which stopped her from using an earpiece to listen to music, a method that previously aided her concentration. The school stated it had offered a complimentary breakfast club and catch-up sessions, sent four letters, and proposed two meetings. Susan, in tears, declared: “We are doing what we can. I want her to be in school and I want her to do her GCSEs and do well.” David further commented: “There is no argument our daughter is a clever child. I was clever at school, and I went through a lot of the same things.” He expressed: “I don’t think the school system suits her. I just hope that when she comes to college age that structure will help her.” The court was informed that a 12-year-old girl had missed 58.5 days of school between March 11 and June 25. Her parents, Roger and Anna, had separated nine years prior, and their younger daughter had resided for a period with her maternal grandmother. Magistrates were informed that she suffered from Type 1 diabetes, frequently experiencing vomiting when her ketone levels were imbalanced, occasionally necessitating hospitalization. The court learned that she was currently enrolled in home education but exhibited violent behavior, assaulting her mother, grandmother, and an elder sister. The father stated he had minimal involvement in the girls’ upbringing and was not kept updated on their conduct or school attendance. Magistrates mandated them to pay a collective sum of £676. Tina Leslie, from the period poverty charity Freedom 4 Girls, commented on instances where parents cited school policies restricting toilet access during lessons, thereby preventing girls from changing sanitary products. She asserted that it was unjust to penalize girls for an uncontrollable biological process. She stated: “If you do leak, you’ve got the stigma and the name-calling. That’s why these kids aren’t going into school.” Pepe Di’Iasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, emphasized the necessity of implementing policies to promote consistent attendance. He clarified: “However, what these cases demonstrate is that this issue is not always simple and that children and families face a range of challenges that can make regular attendance more difficult.” Stuart Dyer, from Norfolk County Council’s education department, informed the court: “It is always essential a parent ensures their child’s attendance to receive their full-time educational entitlement and maximise their chances and reach their full potential.” He added that in every instance, schools had reached out to parents via letters and text messages and had scheduled meetings, some of which parents did not attend. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.