A new survey by national charity Parentkind has revealed the struggles UK parents face in ensuring their children attend school regularly. The poll highlights a divided opinion on using fines as a deterrent, with nearly half of parents supporting them but many calling for a more supportive approach.
Divided Opinions on Fines for School Absence
The survey, conducted by Censuswide and representing 1,000 UK parents of children aged 4-16, found that 48% of parents believe fines could be effective in reducing school absences. However, 38% oppose them, arguing that financial penalties should only be used where evidence shows they make a difference.
While nearly half of respondents back the Education Secretary’s stance on fines, a resounding 96% agree that children should attend school daily if possible. Parentkind is urging policymakers to take a balanced approach, ensuring that support measures are implemented alongside penalties.
Parents Face Ongoing Challenges in School Attendance
The findings highlight the difficulties parents encounter in getting their children to school regularly:
- 34% of parents report arguing with their child about attending school at least once a week.
- 31% of children have refused to attend school on multiple occasions in the past year, equating to nearly 3.3 million pupils.
- 10% of parents whose children have refused school say their child has missed two or more weeks of education, representing an estimated 330,000 students.
These figures illustrate that while most parents prioritise education, deeper issues contribute to persistent school absences.
Why Are Children Missing School?
The poll explored the key reasons why children avoid school. Among the top concerns:
- Lack of enjoyment at school – Reported by 15% of parents, rising to 20% for secondary school students compared to 11% at primary level.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision issues – Identified by 9% of parents as a major factor.
Parentkind has long advocated for curriculum and assessment reforms that prioritise student engagement. A previous survey found that 50% of children feel bored at school, suggesting disengagement plays a crucial role in school avoidance.
Shifting School Attendance Trends
Despite concerns over attendance, the poll suggests a mixed picture:
- 46% of parents say getting their child to school daily is becoming easier.
- 19% of secondary school parents report increasing difficulty in ensuring attendance.
While some families are finding it easier to manage school attendance, others continue to face significant struggles.
Calls for a Supportive Approach, Not Just Penalties
Parentkind’s Chief Executive, Jason Elsom, stressed the need for a supportive rather than punitive approach to improving attendance: “Parents overwhelmingly agree that school attendance matters. However, for many families, getting children to school is a daily challenge. Instead of pointing fingers, we must offer more support to address underlying issues like disengagement and unmet SEN needs. While fines may have a role to play, they should be used cautiously alongside practical solutions.”
Parentkind continues to push for a comprehensive approach to tackling school absences, ensuring that families receive the right support to encourage regular attendance while addressing the root causes behind school refusal.