Eight hundred schools to benefit from new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs in Government “crackdown”

The Government warned that according to new data, 7 out of every 30 classroom minutes are lost to children “kicking off”.

Announcing a package of support for schools yesterday (31 August), Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said that “when it comes to getting kids in and behaving – this includes mums, dads and carers too”.

Under the new plans, 800 schools – responsible for around 600,000 pupils – will benefit from new RISE Attendance and Behaviour Hubs. 

Across the whole programme, 5,000 schools are set to benefit, with 500 of those in most need receiving “intensive, targeted help”.   

According to the DfE, the programme will share “proven strategies” from school leaders that have successfully turned attendance and behaviour around. However, the Government emphasised the “vital role” that parents and families have to play alongside the work of schools.  

The Government claimed that the tide is “already turning” on attendance, with five million more days in the classroom and 140,000 fewer pupils persistently absent last year.  

It said: “This signals the biggest year-on-year improvement in attendance in a decade, equivalent to 1,000 classes of children learning full time for a year - estimated to protect over £2 billion in pupils’ future earnings.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I am calling on parents, schools and families to join us in playing their part to get children in class and ready to learn for the start of the new school term.   

“We have already made progress with five million more days in school this year and are backing parents and supporting schools through our Plan for Change. But we all need to do more, and when it comes to getting kids in and behaving – this includes mums, dads and carers too.

“We know what works - strong leadership, consistent attendance and schools standing shoulder to shoulder with families. That’s why we’re investing in proven expertise so that schools facing the biggest challenges can get the support they need.”

Lottie Winson