Parents working from home during the pandemic are keeping their children out of school, leading to a rise in school absences, according to a report by Ofsted, the chief inspector of schools in England. Sir Martyn Oliver, who recently released his first annual report on education and children’s social care in the country, highlighted this concerning trend.
Impact of Home-Working Parents on School Attendance
Oliver noted that lower attendance figures, particularly on Fridays, indicate a shift towards “unorthodox schooling” since the pandemic. This new approach includes part-time timetables and hybrid learning models. The report emphasized that education has become fragmented for many children, with pupil attendance remaining a persistent issue post-Covid-19 lockdowns.
In an interview, Oliver expressed his observations on the changing behavior of parents regarding school attendance. He mentioned that before the pandemic, parents who worked from home would send their children to school. However, the situation has evolved, with more parents opting to keep their children at home, especially towards the end of the week.
Concerns Raised by Ofsted
Flexi-schooling, where parents partially educate their children at home, is on the rise across England. The report also pointed out that children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as behavioral issues, are increasingly receiving a mix of online and in-person lessons.
The annual report estimated that around 34,000 children are currently on part-time school timetables, a significant increase from previous years. Oliver cautioned against the growing use of part-time timetables, emphasizing that they should only be employed in limited circumstances and not as a behavior management tool.
Deepening Attendance Issues
Ofsted’s report underscored the deepening attendance issues since the pandemic, with disadvantaged children disproportionately affected. Government figures revealed that nearly one-fifth of pupils in England were persistently absent during the last academic year, a stark increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The report highlighted a shift in attitudes towards school attendance, pointing out that working from home has relaxed old family routines. This change in behavior has contributed to higher absentee rates, particularly on Fridays, signaling a casual approach towards school attendance.
Oliver’s tenure as Ofsted’s chief inspector began in January amid challenges faced by the watchdog following a tragic incident involving a headteacher. The report sheds light on the critical issue of school attendance and its impact on children’s education in the post-pandemic era.