Overview

• 150,000 children in England were 'severely absent' in the 2022-23 academic year.
• Phillipson criticizes parents for keeping children home for minor reasons and holidays.
• Labour plans to use VAT from independent school fees to recruit 6,500 extra teachers.
• Persistent absences are notably higher among disadvantaged students.
• Efforts include fines and initiatives like free breakfast clubs to boost attendance.