Camden Schools See Persistent Absence Above National Average
Despite efforts to improve attendance, Camden schools continue to grapple with persistent absence rates exceeding the national average, according to a report discussed at the Camden Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025. Persistent absence is defined as attendance below 90%.
While provisional data indicates a decrease in persistent absence compared to the previous two years, rates remain a concern. The Report - Persistent Absence Update.pdf identifies several cohorts particularly affected, including children with Special Educational Needs, those known to social care, children eligible for free school meals, young carers, children with health issues, those experiencing bullying, and children from Asian/Bangladeshi communities.
Initiatives to combat absenteeism are underway, including a parental text messaging campaign and a 'team around the school' approach facilitated through Family Hubs. A case study included in the Public reports pack 23rd-Jun-2025 18.30 Children Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee.pdf showed that pupils whose parents received messages had a 1% higher attendance over three weeks, with the biggest gains seen in the first week.
The committee also discussed the Annual Health Report on Children, Young People and Families for 2024/25, which highlighted that 2 in 5 children in Camden live in absolute poverty and that the equivalent of two primary schools of children live in temporary accommodation.
Two deputations were heard by the committee, one regarding free school meals and another on Camden's functional needs assessment and autism. Deputation 1 – Camden Free School Meals Scandal.pdf alleged that Camden is denying FSM vouchers to out-of-school SEND children, while Deputation 2 Camdens functional needs assessment and autism V3 FINAL.pdf claimed that Camden continues to use an outdated Functional Needs Assessment tool that excludes autism, ADHD, sensory, and communication needs.