Our response to DfE statistics released today on pupil attendance in schools between 11 September 2023 to 9 February 2024

“The DfE statistics on attendance out today show that the attendance crisis is continuing. We need the Department and schools to recognise the root causes of this crisis, including the fact that children with speech and language challenges are at vastly increased risk of school refusal.

Until Government puts in better training for teachers on supporting the 1 in 5 children with speech and language challenges, it is likely that many will continue to disengage from school.  We hope that these statistics are a wake-up call to the Department and the education sector that they need to do more to make sure schools work for children and young people with speech and language challenges.”

Jane Harris Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK   

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For media enquiries, contact Simon Walsh Speech and Language UK Press Manager via media@speechandlanguage.org.uk or call 07824 446989.