Barnardos concerned by ESRI report on school absences

17th September 2026. Today’s ESRI findings that school absence rates are higher in disadvantaged areas and among children living in poverty, lone parent households and where there are adverse experiences, including poor parental mental health and addiction, are deeply concerning, although unfortunately not unexpected, says Barnardos children’s charity.

Stephen Moffatt Barnardos National Policy Manager said:

“Barnardos frequently works with children and young people who are struggling with school absence, often related to parental adversities and community disadvantage. We know from research and witness first hand that school is a hugely protective factor for children and young people, especially for those experiencing disadvantage and adversity. Increased absence presents immediate risks to their wellbeing and educational attainment, likelihood of engagement in criminality as well as reducing future lifelong opportunities. At a time of increasing stress on the child protection and youth justice systems targeted early interventions to improve attendance and keep children and young people in school must be a top priority for the government.”

“Providing children a more stable and nurturing family life can improve school attendance. We know that intensive targeted family supports through community-based services, such as Barnardos, helps to achieve this, working collaboratively with schools to address the underlying issues contributing to school absence.”