School parents favor penalties for unexcused school absences, according to a recent survey.
In a recent survey conducted between the 10th and 12th of February, 2025, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) uncovered some significant challenges faced by parents in England and Wales when it comes to ensuring their children attend school regularly. The research was commissioned by Parentkind, a prominent UK charity working with over 23,500 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), schools, and Parent Councils.
The survey, carried out by Censuswide, polled a sample of 1,000 parents in the UK with school-age children aged 4-16. The findings revealed that unmet special needs help and children not enjoying school were the biggest reasons parents gave for their children refusing to go to school.
The poll results also showed that while 46% of parents find it easy to get their child to school every day, 19% of parents of secondary school children find it harder. Furthermore, a third of parents reported arguing with their children over getting to school almost every day.
Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind, commented on the poll, stating that 96% of parents agree that children should go to school if they can. He called for an end to the finger-wagging approach and more support for parents, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges at hand.
Interestingly, the research found that parents also agree with the Secretary of State for education that fines for regular non-attendance have their place. This suggests a shared understanding of the importance of regular school attendance.
Censuswide, a member of the Market Research Society and the British Polling Council, abides by the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles, ensuring the data's integrity and reliability.
In conclusion, the research provides valuable insights into the challenges parents face in ensuring their children attend school regularly. It highlights the need for support and a collaborative approach to address these issues, with a focus on addressing unmet special needs and improving children's enjoyment of school.
