In Monmouthshire, a lively debate has emerged about parents working from home and school attendance! A top councillor suggests parents who work from home are wondering why their children can’t do the same. Since the pandemic, school attendance hasn’t quite bounced back, especially in secondary schools, despite the lockdown era being long gone. Overall student attendance has improved marginally, yet it’s not hitting pre-pandemic levels.
Current figures show that Monmouthshire’s attendance at primary schools is inching close to pre-pandemic rates. However, secondary schools are still playing catch-up. The Welsh Government highlights that “good attendance” should be around 95%, so there’s still work to do.
During a council meeting, Cllr Martyn Groucutt raised concerns, noting that some parents are contacting schools, questioning why their kids can’t learn from home if they are. “It doesn’t work like that,” he stated plainly. He stressed that, despite the allure of home schooling for some, the majority of children benefit from the social and educational environment of school. He remarked that home education is challenging and perhaps not the best fit for most kids.
Groucutt, reflecting on his experiences, pointed out that crossing the 90% attendance threshold still isn’t enough. He hopes parents realise schooling is a long-term journey, not just until the end of the month but until they’re 18.
The council continues to work towards better attendance, ensuring that kids return to classrooms, reconnecting with their friends and community. How do you feel about this shift in school attendance expectations? Could there be a balance between the flexibility of working from home and school commitments? Let’s chat about it!