Severe absence has spread through our school system like wildfire. CSJ research shows that nearly 800 schools have an entire class-worth of so called ‘ghost children’. These issues are complex; there is no simple explanation as to why children stop attending schools. This podcast will unpack some of the causes of severe school absence by speaking to a mother whose children stopped attending school and will show what is possible when an expert practitioner intervenes.

Guests

Gavin Rice, Director of Policy at CSJ

Amy, School-Home Support Practitioner

Brenda, Mother of children who were severely absent from school

Alice Wilcock, Head of Education Policy at CSJ