We heard mixed reactions to the guidance working together to improve school attendance. Whilst witnesses agreed guidance on a statutory footing is needed to improve attendance, we heard from a number of witnesses that the guidance in its current form may require revisions. The Department initially planned to revise the guidance ahead of the 2023/24 academic year and said it would place the guidance on a statutory footing when parliamentary time allows, but neither has been completed.

We heard mixed reactions to the guidance working together to improve school attendance. Whilst witnesses agreed guidance on a statutory footing is needed to improve attendance, we heard from a number of witnesses that the guidance in its current form may require revisions. The Department initially planned to revise the guidance ahead of the 2023/24 academic year and said it would place the guidance on a statutory footing when parliamentary time allows, but neither has been completed. Type: conclusion | Number: 5 | Paragraph: 44 | Response status: accepted Government response: The Government issued the guidance ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ in May 2022, and it has been widely welcomed both for the ‘support first’ ethos it promotes and the clearer expectations it sets out. It reflects best practice already in place across the system and was formulated fol