Children should be forced to attend school even if they have a mild cough or cold, according to the Schools Minister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Nick Gibb, even a few days off over a long period of time might harm children’s life chances, particularly for disadvantaged kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the pandemic, schools have reported an increase in absenteeism, with nearly one in four (22.3%) pupils missing more than one in ten days in 2022\/23. The overall absence rate across all schools was 10.7%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the Lib Dems told the Government to “cough up catch-up funding” rather than patronising parents. It comes after GCSE results published this week exposed a stark gap between the numbers of pupils in the North East attaining top grades compared to their peers in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Gibb said: “Persistent absenteeism has a serious long-term impact on any child\u2019s life prospects, but it has a disproportionately damaging one on those already struggling with disadvantage. Even one day off could have a detrimental effect on a child\u2019s education.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We need parents themselves to take a stand on absenteeism. You can call it a social contract, if you like, between parents and schools.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said parents were sometimes worried about sending kids to school with a mild illness, adding: “It’s fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold. But if they have a fever, keep them off school until the fever goes.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“For parents who are not sure, there is plenty of online guidance available on the NHS website.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lib Dem Education Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “This intervention from Ministers is beyond a joke. This Conservative Government needs to cough up catch-up funding, which is far more important than patronising parents who know what’s best for their child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Liberal Democrats\u00a0are calling for that fair funding alongside support to help children who have had to endure so much damage to their education in recent years.”<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Children should be forced to attend school even if they have a mild cough or cold, according to the Schools Minister. According to Nick Gibb, even a few days off … <\/p>\n