Inquiry2

The Children, Young People and Education Committee we be holding a short inquiry on pupil absence from schools.

Background to the inquiry

The issues of pupil absence and the impact on children and young people’s learning and wider well-being was raised with the Committee during annual scrutiny of Estyn in December 2021. As a result of this session, the Committee wrote to all local authorities asking for information on how they work with schools to monitor and improve attendance; and for any date they hold on numbers and absence rates. In total, 15 local authorities responded. All the responses received can be viewed under the documents heading below.

At the Committee’s meeting on 31 March, the Committee agreed to do a short focused inquiry on pupil attendance. 

The Committee wrote to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language seeking an update on the review he has commissioned on attendance patterns. A response was received on 25 April.

Terms of Reference

This inquiry will focus on the issue of absenteeism of pupils registered at maintained schools and pupil referral units. The inquiry will look specifically at:

• Reasons for and levels of persistent absenteeism
• Whether and if so, why, non-covid related absenteeism is higher than prior to the COVID 19 pandemic
• Whether and if so, reasons why persistent absenteeism is more prevalent among particular groups of pupils (those with Additional Leaning Needs, eligible for free school meals, boys and girls, specific age groups, ethnicity)
• The short term and longer-term risks and consequences for learners for example in terms of mental health and well-being
• The impact on pupils’ learning and attainment
• Whether absenteeism has resulted in a higher level of pupil de-registration and any cross-over with elective home education
• Effectiveness of existing Welsh Government policies and guidance
• Level and effectiveness of action and support from schools, local government and the Welsh Government
• How effectively parents are engaged and supported

Evidence gathering

The Committee will start taking oral evidence at the end of May 2022. More information on individual evidence sessions can be found under the meetings tab at the top of the page.