Inside the attendance crisis: A change-maker's perspective (episode 2 of 3)

Persistent absence is a growing crisis that affects a child's social development and future opportunities. In this episode, we talk with Ellie Costello from the advocacy organisation Square Peg. Ellie discusses why the language we use matters and explains that terms like school refusal can often place unfair blame on families.

She shares insights into the complex emotional hurdles that keep children away from the classroom and explores how schools can do things differently. From changing school start times to focusing on strong personal relationships, Ellie highlights the importance of empathy and flexibility in helping every child thrive in education.

 

Music from: Audio Library  https://youtu.be/JpoEFiAJdxo

'And So it Begins' by 'Artificial Music' (Creative Commons) https://soundcloud.com/artificial-music