School Attendance Programme

Award outcome

Description

Following the school closures as a result of Covid, school attendance has struggled to return to the pre-pandemic levels for many pupils. For some, this absence is undoubtedly Covid related but the levels far exceed this and there is increasing evidence that the most disadvantaged pupils across the UK are disproportionately affected (EPI, 2021). Attending school is one of the most significant factors in the well-being of children and young people (DfE, 2018). Poor attendance impacts a child's future, not just through their educational achievement but also socially and developmentally (Swansea University, 2021). While absenteeism can be seen as a short-term condition, prolonged absenteeism may be a predictor of lasting issues that persist into adulthood (King, Ollendick &Tonge, 1995), such as "school dropout, delinquency and occupational and relationship problems" (Kearney & Bensaheb, 2006), and economic deprivation and social, marital, occupational and psychiatric problems (Kearney & Graczyk, 2014). Kent County Council are looking to procure a countywide service that delivers a school-based intervention programme for persistently absent pupils (with a 90% or less attendance). These pupils could present with a variety of barriers to attendance, which may include low level anxiety linked to poor peer relationships/networks, low sense of belonging in the school environment, and challenging relationships with adults at school and the level of need would not require an intensive model of support. Poor mental health has frequently been linked to poor school attendance, with anxiety described as a key risk factor. There are many aspects of the school setting that may cause anxiety, such as separation from parents/carers, social interaction with peers/school staff, and academic stress which may lead pupils to avoid school. Somatic symptoms such as headaches and tummy-aches are also common in children with anxiety and may further contribute to absence.

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