Responding to new analysis of pupil absence from school post-pandemic by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“It is really important that children attend school whenever possible, and we know school leaders and their staff work tirelessly to improve attendance.

“While it is positive to see an improvement in the overall figures, it is concerning that this improvement is not as great among some of the most disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. It is clear that more must be done to tackle the underlying causes unauthorised absence – and that this cannot fall to schools alone.

“For many years, government investment in crucial services like social care, CAMHS and SEND support - which can play a key role in addressing issues like mental ill-health and challenges outside of school which may affect pupil attendance - has failed to keep pace with demand. Key roles like education welfare officers, who worked directly with families to support attendance, have been cut.

“The new government’s welcome promise to better join up services must signal the start of concerted action to tackle pupil absence, and NAHT stands ready to lend its support.”