Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has told parents they must do more to ensure their children behave in the classroom, as shocking new data showed seven out of every 30 classroom minutes are lost to pupils kicking off. With the new school year about to begin, the Education Secretary has announced a drive to cut truancy and improve discipline, with the 500 most troubled schools targeted for help.

But she said: "When it comes to getting kids in and behaving - this includes mums, dads and carers too." Figures earlier this month revealed the crisis of children missing from England's classrooms is continuing, after absence figures shot up following the Covid pandemic. They showed 148,000 children in the autumn term were "severely absent" - missing 50% or more sessions - up from 142,000 the year before. This is around one in 50 children.

The figures also showed 17.8% of children in the autumn term were classed as "persistent" absentees, meaning they missed at least one in ten half-day sessions.

Attendance is improving according to the Department for Education, but still remains too low.

Meanwhile, 78% of teachers reported that poor behaviour by pupils who do turn had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing according to a new survey, which also highlighted time lost to poor behaviour.

The Department for Education has set up behaviour "hubs" in which schools with the best attendance and behaviour records provide advice to those that are struggling.

Mrs Phillipson said: "I am calling on parents, schools and families to join us in playing their part to get children in class and ready to learn for the start of the new school term.

"We have already made progress with five million more days in school this year and are backing parents and supporting schools through our Plan for Change. But we all need to do more, and when it comes to getting kids in and behaving - this includes mums, dads and carers too.

"We know what works - strong leadership, consistent attendance and schools standing shoulder to shoulder with families. That's why we're investing in proven expertise so that schools facing the biggest challenges can get the support they need."