Attendance rates have not recovered since Covid, and today’s publication of statistics on absence from Secondary Schools 2022/23 is a stark reminder of the continuing impact on our children and young people. There is emerging evidence to suggest this is a global concern. It is an issue we take very seriously and that we must address if we are to ensure that all children and young people in Wales get the most from their time in school.
A lot of hard work and effort by school staff and others has already gone into re-engaging and supporting learners following the pandemic, and continues to take place in all parts of Wales.
Our Renew and Reform plan outlined our commitment to supporting learners’ wellbeing and progression in response to the pandemic, putting learners’ physical and mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its approach and investing nearly £500 million in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The Education Policy Institute’s April 2023 report found that across these years, Wales provided the most funding per pupil in the UK to address pandemic impacts, at around £800 per pupil, more than double the investment in other parts of the UK.
In 2022-23, our additional funding included £3.5 million to support attendance in schools, with a particular focus on encouraging learners who have become disengaged from learning following the pandemic, or who were at risk of disengaging.
