In this paper, the authors share a range of ideas relating to health, labour markets, the tax and transfer system, gender equality, education, housing, and criminal justice. The aim is to provide an optimistic, forward-looking counterpoint to what has undoubtedly been a catastrophic year.

Regular attendance at school provides children with opportunities to develop the basic skills for learning, and assists in the development of social skills including communication, self-esteem, teamwork and friendship building. Attendance is a precursor for learning and onward skill development. Understanding how patterns of attendance are established in the early years of school and the...