Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has said the Education Minister must act to tackle high rates of school absences. 

Reacting to new figures released by the Department of Education, the party’s children and young people spokesperson said:

“It is concerning that school absences remain high across the north and in particular in socially deprived areas. 

“A lack of support services due to savage Tory cuts to our education budget have had a detrimental impact on school attendance. Also, the long-term effect of school closures due to covid and the rise in mental health issues amongst other things have all contributed to school absence rates.

”The fall in attendance of children and young people with special educational needs is also a huge concern, many of whom are not being provided with a suitable placement or end up on a reduced timetable.

“All children must be supported to have the best start in life. The British government should end its agenda of cuts and ensure education, like all public services, has the proper funding to deliver first-class services.

“I will work with the Education Minister and the other parties to tackle these issues and to improve school attendance rates.”