Ellie Ames 03 December 2024

Children eligible for free school meals twice as likely to be absent

Children eligible for free school meals twice as likely to be absent image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

A think-tank has warned that the costs of going to school are a barrier to regular attendance for some children from low-income families.

Research by the Centre for Young Lives has revealed that both primary and secondary school pupils who are eligible for free school meals are more than twice as likely to be absent than their peers.

Researchers heard that the costs of travel, uniform, and food are more than some families can regularly afford, with ‘troubling’ stories about children missing school because their family could not afford the correct PE kit or bus fares twice a day.

But the report says there is no clear, single factor behind the link between poverty and school attendance.

It also warns that schools’ identification of children where family deprivation is the leading factor behind their non-attendance is often limited and uncoordinated.

Its recommendations include removing the two-child benefit cap; ensuring guidance says schools should consider poverty in relation to absence; and helping schools giving families financial relief in times of crisis.

The executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives, Anne Longfield, said: ‘The recommendations in this report have the potential to improve school attendance among children in poverty.

‘That includes putting more money in the pockets of families and bringing down the cost of school.

‘We also want to see stronger support for families, strategies from schools that recognise poverty, and better use of the Department for Education’s world-leading attendance data.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner