1 in 10 pupils have missed school because they did not feel safe.
Tens of thousands of children in England are now regularly missing school. Across the spring term of 2024/2025, 20.3% of pupils missed 10% or more of their possible sessions, classing them as ‘persistently absent’.
The attendance crisis in UK schools is closely linked with feelings of safety and community in education settings, or lack thereof.
“My eldest daughter really struggles to come to school in the morning. When you leave your daughter at school crying and upset because they don’t want to be at school, it’s really hard to walk away.” - parent voice
The attendance crisis and mental health in schools
Why are children and young people missing so much school?
For many, there are social, emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues that cause a barrier to attendance. If children do not view school as safe or somewhere that they belong, they are likely to avoid attending, not engage when they are there, or exhibit behaviour that might lead to suspensions and expulsions.
Consider child K. Child K is a young carer, supporting a parent that has mobility issues and also struggles with substance abuse. Their grandparent, whom they were close with, recently passed away. When Child K attends school, they are berated for not completing homework or engaging in lessons. Would you be surprised if Child K began to avoid going to school?
More young people not in employment, education or training (NEET)
Persistent absenteeism can lead pupils down a dangerous path. Children who are not in education face increased risk of violence and exploitation. In 2024, 13.6% of 16-24 year olds were not in employment, education, or training (NEET). That’s up 1.5 percentage points compared to 2023 and amounts to almost 1 in 7 young people.
Helping children feel safe in school
We need to meet the emotional and developmental needs of all children and young people in our schools. Once we remove these barriers to learning, school attendance and learning outcomes will undoubtedly improve.
Children most in need likely struggle to self-regulate their emotions. Perhaps they have experienced trauma or lack secure attachment figures. These pupils rely on school staff to form these key adults who are regulated, predictable and safe. These types of interactions help to calm the brainstem, connect with the limbic system, and create an environment that encourages connection and understanding instead of punitive approaches to behaviour.
Safe in school: A nurturing approach
A nurturing approach should be adopted when creating safe spaces in schools.
Language is crucial for building trusting bonds and we avoiding shaming behaviour reduces the risk of reinforcing negative self-views.
Instead, a nurturing approach focuses on strengths, celebrating the things that have gone well, and noticing even small successes. It prioritises the role of the key adult and creates a connection that sees the whole child – not just a focus on teaching and learning, but getting to know them, understanding them and finding an emotional connection.
As a result of building safe relationships with pupils and becoming a ‘trusted adult’, staff can model positive behaviour to pupils, demonstrating that it is the right thing to do for their school community, rather than behaving out of fear. Prioritising connectedness and positive, safe relationships helps to support emotional, social, and academic outcomes for all children and young people.
nurtureuk work with local authorities, school trusts and violence reduction units, as well as working with schools on an individual basis. We provide:
Creating an inclusive education system
Our current education system is failing children and young people, and many schools are sites of fear and anxiety rather than safety. We have a responsibility as educators - and members of our community - to do better for the next generation.
nurtureuk are advocating for policymakers to make nurture the norm and ensure all children feel safe in school. We are dedicated to improving the mental health, wellbeing and life chances of children and young people using nurturing approaches.
Ready to get started? Download our free happy in school lesson plan! Click your relevant school setting below.
Download our Happy in School Lesson Plan for primary school pupils
Download our Happy in School Lesson Plan for secondary school pupils