‘Not a surprise’: Suffolk parent says SEND absences reflect long-term issues
A new report shows one in three autistic pupils have missed at least two weeks of school this year.
A Suffolk parent has said new figures showing high absence rates among autistic pupils come as “no surprise”, warning that children are still “falling through the cracks” in the education system.
A survey by charity Ambitious About Autism found one in three autistic young people have missed at least two weeks of school since September, while one in six said they had not attended school at all during that time.
The findings come ahead of expected Government reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.
Steven Wright, a Suffolk parent of two children with special educational needs who also supports other families, said the figures reflect what he sees locally.
He said: “That’s completely in line with my experiences… working and helping other families across Suffolk, that’s been a long-term problem.
“So in short, not at all a surprise.”
‘Children struggling in mainstream’
Mr Wright said one of the most common issues is children struggling to cope in mainstream education settings.
He said: “What I tend to see is children who are… struggling in mainstream. They may have known special needs or at least suspected.”
He added that while systems such as Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) exist to support pupils, accessing help can be difficult in practice.
He said: “The local authority makes it incredibly difficult for schools to apply for additional funding.”
Mr Wright also pointed to pressures on school staff, particularly special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs), as a potential barrier to securing support.
‘Falling through the cracks’
The survey found mental health was the most commonly cited reason for absence, with nearly two-thirds of respondents who had missed school saying it was a factor.
Mr Wright said a lack of consistent support and oversight is contributing to the problem.
He said: “Mainstream placements falling down benefits nobody.
“We just need accountability… thousands of children then fall between the cracks in education.”
He added that improving inclusion in mainstream schools has been discussed for years but has yet to be fully realised.
Shortage of specialist places
Alongside challenges in mainstream education, Mr Wright highlighted a shortage of specialist school placements.
He said: “There are a considerable number of children who are out of education because they’re waiting for a suitable placement.”
He added that recent figures suggested around 200 children in the county had education plans in place, but no school was assigned.
National concerns
The Ambitious About Autism survey of 961 autistic young people and their families also found that some absences are linked to unsuitable school placements and unmet needs.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of the charity, said absence can take many forms.
She said: “It’s being in class but not included. It’s being sent home because autistic traits are misunderstood. It’s being denied a school that’s right for your needs.”
The Government is expected to publish further details of its SEND reforms in the coming weeks, including plans for increased funding and additional training for teachers.
Campaigners say changes must ensure schools are better equipped to support autistic pupils, both in mainstream and specialist settings.
We've reached out to Suffolk County Council for a response to these concerns.