Contact your local politician
Write to your MP today and urge them to support changes to this legislation. With their backing, we can put an end to the criminalisation of truancy and make a meaningful difference for families across the country. Use the search bar below to find your MP by entering your postcode. We’ve also provided a letter template to make it easier for you. Once you’ve identified your MP, simply copy and paste the letter, amending it as needed. Together, we can work towards a more supportive and understanding approach to school attendance.
Email Template
Dear [Your MP’s Name],
I am writing to urge you to use your influential voice and role as a representative in the House of Commons to call for changes to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill:
- the removal of truancy as a criminal offence, which disproportionally affects women
- the funding for support services for children and their families facing multiple disadvantages, which lead them to be persistently absent.
In 2023, over 21,000 prosecutions and 18,000 convictions for truancy were recorded, alarmingly, up to 70% of these cases involving women.
A criminal conviction can have devastating consequences, especially for women with children. It can lead to the loss of employment, housing, and even custody of their children. The long-term repercussions can be life-altering and extremely difficult to recover from. Meanwhile, these punitive measures do little to address the root causes of absenteeism, such as poverty, mental health issues, or family-related challenges.
I strongly believe that more needs to be done to prevent the criminalisation of women for truancy and to implement systemic support to address the underlying issues.
Your support and advocacy in this area could make a real difference in the lives of thousands of women across the country.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
