Misinformation could be causing parents to keep pupils home

Ofsted's Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman has said that it’s frustrating to hear that the reason that some parents are keeping pupils out of school is being sparked by ‘fake news’ and misinformation on social media.

With the amount of misinformation about what schools should and shouldn't be doing, Spielman says that a consolidation and simplification of government advice for schools would be helpful for teachers and parents alike.

Giving a speech at the online National Children and Adult Services (NCAS) Conference, Spielman said: "Heads tell us that many parents are keeping children at home because they’re worried about their safety. Of course, as a parent, it’s completely natural to feel concern and want the best for your child. But it’s frustrating if much of this is being sparked by ‘fake news’ and misinformation on social media, which is what we’re hearing.

"And of course, schools aren’t immune from misinformation either. There are myths doing the rounds about what schools ‘have’ to do, or must not do, such as no singing or swimming and keeping all doors open, no matter the weather. And there are indications that schools may sometimes be sending pupils home too readily. So, a consolidation and simplification of government advice for schools would be helpful for teachers and parents alike as we head towards the winter."

Spielman went on to say that sadly, there will be parents who keep children at home because they want to avoid scrutiny – exploiting the situation to their own ends.

She also highlighted that it's been devastating for for children with severe disabilities who have been left without access to therapy and education for months.

Spielman said: "Many parents haven’t made an active decision to keep their child at home – they’ve been told that schools can’t accommodate them. Because it’s too difficult, because COVID risk assessments won’t allow it. It’s deeply concerning and, understandably, many parents feel cut adrift.

"For the children with SEND that have been able to get back into education, it hasn’t been plain sailing either. We’re hearing that many have suffered setbacks in their communication skills – probably down to having reduced social interaction for such a long time. And, although some people are working really creatively to help families, this is an ongoing concern. We’ll be looking at this more in the next report from our autumn visits."