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School absences

EDM (Early Day Motion) 759: tabled on 05 February 2025

Tabled in the 2024-26 session.

This motion has been signed by 5 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

That this House notes with concern the impact of low school attendance on pupils' futures; acknowledges the significant effect of covid-19 on overall absence rates, which have increased by 57% since 2015; further notes with alarm that 26.5% of secondary school pupils in West Berkshire were persistently absent in 2023; recognises the detrimental consequences of high absence rates on children’s educational achievements and future opportunities; calls on the Government to prioritise addressing the underlying causes of poor attendance, including the role of poor mental health; and urges the Government to take action to reduce inequalities in school attendance across different socioeconomic groups.