In a hard-hitting address that places parental duty firmly under the spotlight, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has declared that mothers and fathers must shoulder greater responsibility for their children's behaviour and school attendance.
The minister's landmark speech, delivered amidst growing concerns over a post-pandemic crisis in classrooms, outlined a stark new vision for the relationship between families and schools. It signals a decisive shift from the government's approach, moving beyond systemic reforms to a direct appeal for parental accountability.
The Scale of the Challenge: Alarming Figures
Phillipson's intervention is backed by troubling new statistics. The government reports that over a third of secondary school pupils are now classified as 'persistently absent', a figure that has more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents hundreds of thousands of children missing crucial educational milestones.
Parallel to the attendance crisis, teachers' unions are reporting a significant escalation in classroom disruption and challenging behaviour. Educators cite not only increased violence and verbal abuse but also a pervasive culture of low-level disruption that hampers learning for all students.
A New 'Contract' Between Parents and the State
The centrepiece of the Secretary of State's speech was the proposal of a new implicit 'contract'. This arrangement would see the government fulfil its duty to provide high-quality education and support, but in return, parents must meet their obligations to ensure their children attend school regularly and behave appropriately.
While stopping short of announcing immediate new legal sanctions, Phillipson emphasised that the government would not shy away from 'escalating' support and interventions for families failing to meet these standards. This could potentially include heightened use of existing fines and parenting orders.
Beyond Blame: A System Under Strain
Analysts were quick to note that the speech carefully avoided solely blaming parents. It acknowledged the immense pressures many families face, including a cost-of-living crisis and the lasting impact of lockdowns on children's social development and mental health.
However, the minister was unequivocal in her core message: while government support is available, the primary responsibility for a child's conduct and commitment to education begins at home. This marks a significant tonal shift, prioritising parental responsibility alongside systemic support.
Reactions and the Road Ahead
The speech has ignited a fierce debate. Teaching unions have largely welcomed the focus on attendance and behaviour but warn that schools need more resources and funding to support struggling families effectively.
Parent groups have expressed concern, arguing that the government must first address the underlying causes, such as child mental health services and in-school support, before attributing blame. The coming months will likely see the Department for Education unveil more detailed policies to turn this new rhetoric into reality.
