Is Remote Work Boom Changing Kids’ Attitudes Towards School In UK?

The widespread surge of remote working since the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted school attendance rates in England, according to Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector of Ofsted. Oliver has highlighted that the shift in parental work routines, with many parents now working from home, has led to a change in pupils' attitudes towards school attendance.

The Link Between Parents Staying Home and Children Skipping School

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Oliver explained that the presence of parents at home has made some children more reluctant to leave for school. He reasoned that children may think, “If my mum and dad are at home all day, why should I have to go to school?” This mentality appears to have taken root during the pandemic when remote learning and work-from-home arrangements became the norm.

Oliver, a former secondary school art teacher and headteacher, noted that this shift has undermined the traditional structure where both adults and children would leave home for work and school. The post-pandemic reality, where parents continue to work in slippers from home, has altered the daily rhythm for many families, making school attendance seem less compulsory.

Alarming Rise in Persistent Absences Among Children

Official statistics reveal a worrying trend in school attendance:

• Nearly one in seven primary school children and a quarter of state secondary school pupils are now classified as persistently absent—meaning they miss at least one day of school every two weeks.
• Persistent absence rates in state secondary schools increased sharply from 13% in 2018-19 to 24% in 2022-23.

This data suggests that the problem is not isolated but widespread across England, raising concerns about the long-term impact on children’s education and development.

Flexi-Schooling: A Growing Trend with Its Own Risks

Some schools have adapted to these changing attitudes by introducing "flexi-schooling," allowing parents to teach their children from home for part of the week. While this approach offers flexibility, Oliver cautioned that it may further erode the habit of regular school attendance.

Additionally, he noted that Fridays have historically been the worst day for attendance, a pattern that has become more trendy in recent years. In Westminster, where Ofsted is based, Oliver observed that the city often begins to "clear out" on Thursday evenings, suggesting that families are taking long weekends, which further disrupts attendance patterns.

The Importance of Routine: Building Healthy Social Habits

Oliver stressed that developing consistent daily routines—getting dressed, putting on shoes, and physically going to school or work—is crucial for children’s social and emotional development. These routines help instill a sense of responsibility and discipline, which is vital for future success.

He emphasized that while remote work has brought efficiency in certain areas, the importance of in-person schooling cannot be overstated. Schools offer children the opportunity to interact with peers, build social skills, and engage with adults outside their families—experiences that are difficult to replicate online.

Mental Health and Insufficient Support Services Adding to the Problem

While remote work is a significant factor, Oliver acknowledged that other issues, such as rising mental health concerns among students, also contribute to poor attendance. Anxiety, depression, and general mental health struggles have become more prevalent, particularly following the pandemic.

Making the issue worse is a lack of funding for school support services, such as school nurses and child psychologists, which has left many schools struggling to provide adequate mental health support. Excessive screen time has further exacerbated mental health issues, leading to sleep problems, anxiety, and reduced motivation among students.

Office Return Policies: A Divided Topic Among Companies

Since the pandemic, major companies like JP Morgan, Amazon, and Boots have mandated a full return to office work. However, many other firms have opted for hybrid models, requiring employees to work from the office only two to three days a week. This hybrid approach has prolonged the culture of home-based work, maintaining the environment in which children observe their parents staying home and perceive school as a less critical daily commitment.

Balancing Remote Efficiency with the Value of Physical Presence

Oliver acknowledged the benefits of remote working, particularly in terms of efficiency and flexibility. However, he stressed that the unique benefits of in-person schooling—such as peer interactions, social development, and direct engagement with teachers—remain irreplaceable.

“We need to recognize the efficiency of working behind a screen,” he said. “But we must also accept that the social and developmental gains from being physically present in school are invaluable.”

Is This the Future of Schooling?

The shift towards remote work is unlikely to reverse entirely, suggesting that the challenges it poses to school attendance will persist. Schools, parents, and policymakers must work together to reinforce the importance of regular attendance and develop support systems that address the underlying causes, including mental health concerns.