As a parent of two children who have faced significant challenges in attending school, I am deeply concerned about the current advertising campaign by the Department for Education (DfE) promoting school attendance. Despite engaging with multiple relevant agencies, my family and many others like us are struggling to ensure our children's educational needs are met.

My eldest child, after a long battle, is now in an environment that suits their needs and has excellent attendance records - a stark contrast from before when their needs were not being met. However, my youngest child's Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) does not accurately reflect her needs due to lack of timely professional reports. Consequently, she is unable to attend school regularly and we are facing threats of fines or prosecution.

This situation is far too common among families across the country. The DfE's current campaign on school attendance fails to acknowledge these complexities and instead stigmatises and alienates families who are already under immense pressure.

The largest cohort of persistently absent children comprises of SEND children (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37810599/#:~:text=Notably%2C%2092.1%25%20of%20CYP%20currently,CI%20(24.67%2C%2088.07)%5D According to government data from 2023, over 1.5 million children in England have been identified as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). Many of these are not being supported meaningfully, and even those with EHCPs are not having their circumstances addressed adequately.  

The DfE should focus on addressing these systemic issues rather than blaming parents through damaging advertising campaigns. We urge them to withdraw this campaign immediately and instead invest in comprehensive support systems that will truly help students with diverse needs thrive in education. You have at your disposal a group of parents and children who will happily engage with you and help you get it right. 

Please sign this petition if you believe every child deserves an education system that understands and supports them regardless of their unique circumstances. Also feel free to complain directly to the DfE here: https://form.education.gov.uk/service/Contact_the_Department_for_Education?fbclid=IwAR2RqDgmm6dwa3geSRjAUYvT_ZlLlbVC-dSV3Zg9ckoy1FSjS5juc-61gEo