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Parents advocate for mental health days in schools

Parents are calling for schools to allow mental health days for vulnerable students to improve support.

July 20, 2025 at 04:01 PM
blur Mum says school attendance rules are 'punishing parents for trying to protect their kids'

Parents advocate for mental health days in schools to better support vulnerable children.

School attendance rules criticized for neglecting mental health needs

Catherine Harvey from Seaforth criticizes school attendance policies, claiming they unfairly penalize parents who wish to protect their children’s mental health. Harvey, who experienced anxiety and ADHD in her own education, advocates for allowing vulnerable students to take up to five authorized mental health days per year. She highlights the growing mental health issues among youth, citing NHS figures that show increasing rates of conditions like depression and anxiety. While the Department for Education supports regular attendance as critical for learning, advocates feel current policies neglect the mental well-being of students.

Key Takeaways

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Parents want mental health days for struggling students
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Attendance policies can harm children's mental health
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Data shows rising mental health issues among youth
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Flexibility in attendance may reduce student anxiety
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Current rules may shame vulnerable students instead of helping them
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Government acknowledges need for more support in schools

"The current system focuses almost entirely on attendance figures, often at the expense of a child’s mental health."

Catherine Harvey highlights the flaws in current attendance policies.

"I just think that's horrendous."

Harvey expresses her outrage at the pressure placed on parents and students under current attendance rules.

"This isn't just about giving kids days off."

Harvey emphasizes the importance of making education more accessible for vulnerable students.

"Regular attendance damages children’s prospects and places the burden on teachers to support missed learning."

A Department for Education spokesperson defends the importance of school attendance.

The push for mental health days reflects broader concerns about how educational policies can better accommodate students with mental health challenges. The personal experience shared by Catherine Harvey reveals the long-lasting effects of inflexible school policies. As more parents rally for change, pressure mounts on educational authorities to rethink attendance policies that may inadvertently harm student well-being. Critics argue that a rigid focus on attendance statistics overlooks the unique needs of vulnerable children.

Highlights

  • Attendance fines ignore the real struggle of vulnerable kids.
  • Mental health days could change the school experience for many.
  • Children need support, not punishment, for mental health issues.
  • We must prioritize mental well-being in school policies.

Concerns over school attendance policies

The article highlights significant concerns about the impact of strict attendance rules on children's mental health, stressing the need for a policy change.

Listening to parents might lead to better support for the mental health of children in education.

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