Education secretary announces new behaviour and attendance hubs in England as the school year starts
2 mins read
Thursday 4 September 2025
Last week the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, announced new measures to help schools with children’s attendance and behaviour. This includes naming the first 21 of 90 new integrated behaviour and attendance hubs set to open in September.
We know that school attendance is one of parent’s top concerns on Contact’s helpline.
Children with SEND often have valid reasons for being off school including medical appointments, chronic pain, and anxiety. Contact’s research published earlier this year also revealed that the lack of support in mainstream schools for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) is leading to reduced attendance. We also understand that some parents are concerned when their child receives a behaviour sanction in a school environment that may not be fully meeting their SEND needs.
Behaviour advice to schools makes clear that schools must follow a number of legal duties including making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 for disabled pupils, including those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
This means they must take reasonable steps to avoid substantial disadvantage to a disabled pupil caused by the school’s policies or practices. If a child with SEND displays challenging behaviour, schools should consider whether their needs have contributed to the incident and assess whether applying a sanction is appropriate or lawful. They should also look at whether additional support or adjustments are needed to better meet the child’s needs.
News about the new behaviour and attendance hubs follows last week’s announcement that the government is extending its holiday activities and food programme and the launch its Best Start in Life Strategy, which aims to drive up the accessibility of early years education in England and boost children’s life chances.
Need advice?
We have lots of information and advice on our website about handling absence from school.
We also have information on attendance, absence and help with medical needs.
More information on requesting extra support in school
