Archive - Thursday, 1 November 2001


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Top of the class

PENARTH pupils are top of the class for attending school according to truancy figures released this week.

Despite an increase of unauthorised absences in the Vale of Glamorgan, the town's two secondary schools report figures well below the national average.

National Assembly research shows truancy in the area rose from 1.2 percent of lessons missed in 1999/2000 to 1.4 percent in 2000/2001.

But Stanwell School says its figures are lower, at approximately 0.5 percent, and St Cyres School claims its numbers are at 0.7 percent.

Stanwell's deputy head Chris Barber told the Times: "Our figure is around 0.5 percent. I can't recall any great change from that. We'd obviously like to do more about that, but 0.5 percent is well below the national average."

St Cyres' headteacher Brian Lightman said: "We use an electronic system called 'Bromcom' which records pupils' attendance in every lesson, so anyone who truants will appear on the system and we can act on it."

The figures for the Vale follow earlier signs of improvement, with 1.6 percent in 1997/1998, dropping to 1.0 percent in 1998/99.

Across Wales as a whole, the figure was higher, rising from 1.5 percent in 1999/2000 to 1.6 percent in 2000/2001.

The figures have been criticised by Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Jane Davidson.

She said: "Absences due to the foot and mouth outbreak cannot account for the total figure. "This increase... after last year's decline, is disappointing. Although it might well be a temporary aberration, it confirms our view that this is an issue that needs constant attention."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "The authority is taking a higher profile approach to the problem and will continue with regular spot checks across the area and join with police for initiatives aimed at reducing the truancy problem."

l Under new laws, courts can send parents on courses highlighting responsibilities if they fail to ensure their children attend school regularly.