Laura Sharman 26 January 2022

New measures to end 'postcode lottery' of school attendance

New measures to end postcode lottery of school attendance image
Image: vovan / Shutterstock.com

All local authorities will be required to issue fines for unauthorised school absences under new measures unveiled by the Government.

The Department for Education (DfE) has outlined new proposals to tackle the ‘postcode lottery’ of avoidable absence in schools.

This includes all schools having policies in place setting out how they will support pupils to attend as regularly as possible.

Under the measures, all local authorities will be required to issue fines for avoidable school absences when all other options have been explored.

Data from the Department for Education shows that while some local authorities issued over 1,500 fines in 2020/21, others issued no fines.

Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: ’As we transition from pandemic to endemic, it makes me even more determined to fight for children to be in school every day they possibly can be.

’Absence due to COVID is unavoidable, but there are other reasons children miss out on school too. Our new proposals will end the postcode lottery of how attendance is managed in different schools and parts of the country, and make sure every child and family gets the best possible support to attend school as regularly as possible.’

Schools are also being invited to take part in a new daily attendance data collection trial to help the Government understand and manage sector-wide attendance trends.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

KS2 Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
KS2 Class Teacher   M1 – M6     £31,650 - £43,607 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2026  The head Bowburn
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Deputy Manager, Children’s Homes Service

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 - £43,693
The Role We are seeking Deputy Managers who will support the Registered Manager to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. You will work directly wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 pro rata
Are you a child and family social worker with 5 years of post-qualifying experience looking for the next step of your career?   What is Involved? As a Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650 - £43,607
Class Teacher M1-M6  £31,650 - £43,607 Full time, whole time Temporary – required from 2nd September 2025 until August 2026 The governors of Escomb P Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,968 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner