The Department for Education has confirmed that home visits will be used for families whose children are absent from school, as part of new guidance sent to mainstream state schools from September 2026.
Government targets rising absence rates
The DfE and the Labour Party government are issuing new guidance to mainstream, state schools with personalised targets from September. The move comes as the government attempts to address ballooning absence rates that have persisted since the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the guidance, the DfE urges primary and secondary schools to use “home visits” as a tool to probe into the underlying reasons for absence and make personal connections with families.
Guidance details on communication methods
The DfE informs schools: “Ensure communications are clear, concise, accessible, jargon-free, consider language barriers and are meaningful and inclusive of families in all circumstances.”
It adds: “Work with parent/carer groups to co-construct messaging that contains the right level of information, using the appropriate tone. You can seek regular feedback from parents/carers about the effectiveness of these, making improvements if necessary.”
Schools are advised to “use a range of communication methods including social media, letters, videos, newsletters, the school website and text messages to ensure key information reaches all pupils, their families and the wider community.”
The guidance continues: “You can see examples within the dedicated parent communications guide. You can also use home visits, phone calls, and check-ins at the school gates to create an opportunity to probe into the underlying reasons for absence and make personal connections with families.”
Attendance rates still below pre-pandemic levels
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, when many schools closed to pupils for significant periods, attendance rates at English mainstream state schools regularly stayed above 95%. However, schools have struggled to return to those rates in the years since the pandemic.
Jayne Lowe, Attendance and Behaviour Ambassador, wrote in the guidance's foreword: “The foundations for success on attendance already exist in many schools. Where attendance is strong, leaders have built cultures where children feel safe, valued, and aspirational.”
She added: “They implement simple, consistent systems and work in partnership with families, local authorities, and communities to remove barriers. These practices are both effective and replicable.”
Lowe continued: “This toolkit brings together the insights, strategies, and resources that are making a difference on the ground. It is designed to support you, whatever your phase or context, to strengthen attendance and behaviour in your setting.”
She concluded: “I look forward to working with leaders across the country to continue refining and expanding this offer, and to celebrating the impact we achieve together.”
