MPs hear evidence on School absence of disabled children

SSIF • June 6, 2023

MPs hear evidence on school absence of disabled children

MPs must address the disproportionate number of children with complex special educational needs (SEN) among severe-absence statistics, a parliamentary committee heard last week.

Speaking on behalf of the Special Education Consortium, of which Contact is a member, Dr Daniel Stavrou told MPs: “It feels misguided to approach this in a punitive way.”


The Education Committee listened to evidence from charity professionals as part of its inquiry into persistent absence and support for disadvantaged pupils.


We submitted evidence to the inquiry earlier this year. In our submission, we identified the biggest factor contributing to absence among children with SEN as unmet need. Just under 40% of calls to our helpline come from parents who say the school or local authority is not providing the right support for their child. Many parents are resorting to home schooling their child as schools become less willing to make reasonable adjustments.



We also hear from parents that the school environment and culture is detrimental to their child’s needs. Schools are under pressure to strive for high attendance from both OFSTED and the Children’s Commissioner. Chasing attendance figures is coming at the cost of pupil wellbeing and good relationships with parents.


A culture shift is needed

o rectify this, we suggest a culture shift. The government must look beyond the quantitative figures collected by OFSTED and focus on how schools are supporting pupils with barriers to attendance.


We would suggest seeking solutions by documenting good practice in schools achieving high rates of attendance for pupils with SEN.


Schools should also be building and fostering strong relationships with families. Parents should not be facing threats from schools for persistence absence, particularly where absence is authorised for medical reasons.


Schools should look into bespoke options for supporting children with SEN, including flex-Schooling.


School attendance advice for families in England

We have advice about school attendance on our website, including information on what your rights are if your child is absent due to medical reasons.



If you are considering home educating your child, visit our Home Education webpage to understand what your duties and options are.

Southend SEND Information Day Topic Talk Slides

June 22, 2026
Support for Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing For those who were unable to attend our recent event, we are pleased to share the presentation slides from the day. We were delighted to host a range of speakers who highlighted the support available to children, young people and families across Essex. Representatives from NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) provided an overview of their Babies, Children and Young People portfolio and their commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through their ROAR values – Ready, Organised, Ambitious and Relentless. Their work spans a wide range of areas including mental health, neurodiversity, SEND and physical health services. The School Nursing Team and Mental Health Support Team (MHST) shared information about the support they provide to children and young people, including emotional wellbeing support, resources available within schools and colleges, and ways families can access advice and guidance. The NHS Essex ICB delivered information about Mid and South Essex Children and Young People Counselling Service, delivered in partnership by Kids Inspire, Renew Counselling and Open Door. The service provides accessible emotional wellbeing and counselling support for children and young people experiencing challenges such as anxiety, low mood and the impact of trauma. We also heard from SNAP, who outlined the wide range of support they offer to families of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, including information, guidance, counselling, helplines and face-to-face support. We hope you find the information within these slides helpful in understanding the services and support available to children, young people and families across our area.

Your Family's Experience of Mental Health Support

June 8, 2026
Tell us about your Family's experience of Mental Health support Services in Southend-on-Sea.

Southend SEND Independent Forum Response to the SEND Reform Consultation

May 19, 2026
We know that many parent carers across Southend share the same frustrations when it comes to accessing the right support for children and young people with SEND. Southend SEND Independent Forum has submitted a detailed response to the Government’s SEND Reform Consultation, drawing directly on the lived experiences of local families.  Our submission has been shaped by the experiences, views, and feedback shared by parent carers across Southend. Through conversations with families, community engagement, online discussions, and direct feedback, we have highlighted the challenges many children and young people with SEND continue to face, alongside practical recommendations for improving support and outcomes. We would like to thank every parent carer who took the time to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Your voices have been central in helping us reflect the realities facing families in Southend and strengthen this response. Our response highlights the areas that parent carers tell us matter most — including early identification and support, inclusive mainstream education, EHCPs, transitions, communication with families, and genuine co-production. It also sets out practical recommendations for creating a SEND system that is more consistent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of children, young people, and their families. While there are examples of good practice, families continue to face significant challenges in securing timely and appropriate support. We believe meaningful reform must focus on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities, and ensuring children and young people with SEND can access education and opportunities on an equal footing with their peers. You can read our full consultation response here:

Healthy Parent Carer Programme

May 5, 2026
Healthy Parent Carer Programme – Booking Now Open! We’re so pleased to share that SSIF has been accredited to deliver a brand-new 6-week programme dedicated entirely to your health and wellbeing. As parent carers, you spend so much time looking after everyone else. This programme is a chance to focus on you — to breathe, recharge, and connect with others who truly understand your journey. Starts Monday 8th June 2026 Only 14 spaces are available to keep the group supportive and personal. Over the 6 weeks, we’ll explore ways to: Make time for yourself Connect with other parent carers Learn simple self-care and stress-management strategies Prioritise your own wellbeing Find a little more calm and balance Our sessions are run for Parent Carers, by Parent Carers — a safe, understanding space where your wellbeing really matters. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, and there’s an onsite café at the Civic Centre. Parking can be limited, so please allow extra time if you're driving. To help you truly switch off and focus on yourself, babies and children can’t be accommodated during the course. Find out more: www.healthyparentcarers.org Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../healthy-parent-carers-6... - Or Scan the QR Code on the poster.