“These figures evidence a clear trend and societal shift following the pandemic. I recognise that there are significant pressures on local authorities, schools, parents and children reflected in these figures, but it is important that we understand more from children directly about their experiences of school and any difficulties that concern their well-being.
“The Welsh Government’s attendance taskforce has a strand on youth engagement work but this has not yet progressed beyond the initial stages to hearing directly from children and young people about their experiences. It is imperative that this work commences from the new term, so that we are able to better understand the context behind these figures, and to ensure we are addressing any barriers and challenges children are facing in access their education.”