Rumours about the passing of the Schools Bill continue - there is much speculation that the Bill will be abandoned altogether.  Another blow and failure for a troubled and chaotic government in turmoil. 

And whilst this may seem like cause for celebration it is not for us- as parent campaigners, we have some way to go to stop the harm being caused to families by the Department of Education's Attendance Guidance policy - which became effective as of September 2022.

We need to tell you that Attendance Guidance will remain effective even if the Schools Bill stops. This means that even if the Schools Bill stops - Fines and Prosecution will continue.

And as Attendance Guidance continues, so will Maddie and me.

In the last month, and as we feared, we have seen families threatened with fines even whilst they seek help from CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) for their child in a mental health crisis. Families who are awaiting Educational Health and Care plan assessments are being told that accommodations such as part-time timetables are being withdrawn from struggling children. Disabled children are being informed that they will not be eligible for "Attendance Award" treats such as trips and parties.

And these actions are being done in the name of  Attendance Guidance and the continued focus on 100% Attendance.

As we have said before, the Attendance Guidance is lacking a clear definition of support - and also clear guidance to schools and LA's on where there should be exclusions and accommodations for families needing help. And because of this, Attendance Guidance is being implemented incorrectly.

The Department of Education remains impersonal to me and Maddie. An inaccessible and invisible force.  Every letter we have written, and every comment they are asked for repeats the same templated, meaningless statement of the "sensitive" conversations that are meant to be held. But we see the fallout of those "sensitive" conversations daily - the parental fear, the lack of support, and the punishments that ensue. You can read more about one family's harrowing experience in a recent press article linked below.  Sensitive?

If you are struggling, or someone you know is - please know that you are not alone. 

There are groups to support you such as Not Fine In School where you can find peer support and free resources.

That is where the sensitive conversations really do take place.

So, whatever happens with The Schools Bill - know that fines and prosecutions are already happening and impacting families.

Please continue to support us - and together we WILL make a change

Maddie and Susan