Children are regularly missing school, for reasons other than sickness and holidays. And in the past year, teachers have noticed a rise in these absences.
A study of 500 primary and secondary teachers – to launch Kellogg’s 2024 Breakfast Club Awards – found 70 per cent of teachers think absences among children have risen due to more parents letting children stay at home (60 per cent), as well as an increase in poor mental health (59 per cent) and anxiety (46 per cent).
Meanwhile, 34 per cent of teachers think some pupils fell so far behind during Covid that they no longer see the benefit of being in school. In addition, 31 per cent are concerned that the rise in the cost of living means that parents are struggling to buy uniforms or equipment.
A spokesman for Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards said: “School is such a huge part of childhood, but a large number are missing it for a variety of reasons. As the research shows, this is becoming a wide-reaching problem, and not only affects the child who is missing school, but also the rest of the class.
“Breakfast clubs can play a part in helping to get children back in school, by providing a relaxed and social environment for them to enjoy before starting lessons. Having breakfast provided also takes a small bit off the pressure felt by parents who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and allows them to ensure children are in school before they start work.”
Alternative provisions are often provided to children who are missing out on learning and thriving in mainstream schools.
What are alternative provisions?
The most common type of alternative provision is a pupil referral unit (PRU). They typically operate in smaller class sizes, which means children are more likely to receive personalised support according to their individual needs.
Other types of:
Therapeutic farms
Forest schools
Outdoor learning schools
Sports facilities
Hospital schools
Animal-assisted therapeutic centres
Vocational and practical courses like plumbing, hairdressing or professional cooking
Who might be suitable to attend an alternative provision?
Children who struggle to thrive at school may be better suited to alternative provision. Alternative provisions are needed for children who can't attend a mainstream school for reasons such as illness, behaviour or mental health issues.
What are the benefits of them?
It provides children with more meaningful learning than what they would have received at a mainstream school. Alternative provisions can benefit them through a boost in confidence, allowing them to learn in a way they enjoy and understand.
Depending on the type of alternative provision, it can also allow young people to gain hands-on, real-life experience.
How to find them in your area
Visit your local council's website for a list of available alternative provisions in your area. They will typically have a directory and information on how to move a child to one.
