Labour is cracking down on truants, but as a mother and ex-teacher, I know tough love goes only so far

The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, announced a crackdown on persistent school absenteeism, suggesting that parents of chronically absent children may face penalties. This approach has raised concerns among parents and educators, particularly those who understand the complexities behind school refusal. A former teacher and mother of five shared her personal experience with her daughter, who developed anxiety about attending school while living in France. Despite efforts to encourage her attendance, the daughter felt overwhelmed and unable to go to school, leading to a search for therapeutic support. After several attempts, they found a therapist who began to help her address her anxiety. The mother emphasizes the need for understanding and support for families dealing with similar issues, arguing that punitive measures may not be effective for children struggling with mental health challenges. She believes that a more compassionate approach is necessary to address the root causes of school absenteeism, rather than simply imposing fines on parents.