Ministers are to issue schools with an AI-generated target for minimum pupil attendance, as part of its strategy to reduce pupil absence from school.
The targets will be set this month, and will take into account a school’s location, pupil needs and deprivation.
However, teaching unions immediately dismissed the initiative, saying it would add to pressure on heads and teachers.
Pete Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders urged the government “to understand the realities in schools rather than issuing yet more diktats dreamt up in Whitehall”.
“Schools already move heaven and earth to ensure that all their pupils attend regularly, but many of the factors that contribute to absence are beyond their direct control,” he said.
“Setting them individual targets doesn’t resolve those issues, but it does pile yet more pressure on school leaders and staff who are already under great strain.”
Minimum expectations
Under the proposals, each school will be given AI-powered “minimum attendance expectations” for 2024-25 “from this month”. This year’s targets will be on a “test and learn basis”.
“Progress will be interpreted thoughtfully given attendance levels can sometimes be hit by local ‘shocks’,” the government said.
Heads will also be given examples in their report of similar schools in the region with better attendance “offering further insight to drive improvement”.
We can only deliver opportunity for children in our country if they’re in school
Attendance rates overall have improved in England, but official government figures suggest that one in three schools have shown no improvement.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, said: “We can only deliver opportunity for children in our country if they’re in school, achieving and thriving.
“That’s why I want every school to play its part in getting attendance back to and beyond pre-pandemic levels.”
More investment in services needed
But Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “The reality is that schools are already working tirelessly to improve attendance, with many going way above and beyond what should be expected of schools every single day.
“The government issuing them with yet more targets will not help them with that work and is the wrong way to go.
“The government’s focus should be on providing the practical resources and support that genuinely make a difference – as well as investing in community services providing vital help for families with challenges in their lives which impact their children’s school attendance.”
