Menu
21/09/2005
Truancy figures rise
The number of pupils playing truant from England’s schools has increased, the latest government figures have revealed.
The Department of Education figures for 2004/05 showed a 0.07% increase in unauthorised absences in England’s schools.
The rise takes the truancy figures to their highest levels since 1994, in spite of the government spending almost £1 billion to combat the problem.
Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said: “It is disappointing that a stubborn minority of pupils, estimated at 8,000 in just 4% of secondary schools, remain determined to jeopardise their education and their futures through persistent truancy.”
Ms Smith launched a new scheme to combat truancy, to coincide with the release of the latest figures. The new scheme will target 8,000 ‘serial truants' and place their parents on a ‘fast-track’ to prosecution.
Under the scheme, parents would be given 12 weeks to improve their child’s attendance at school or face the prospect of a maximum fine of £2,500 or three months imprisonment.
Shadow Education Secretary David Cameron said that the truancy situation was getting worse. He said: "These figures are dreadful. The Government has spent nearly £1 billion on tackling truancy and yet it is getting worse. They need to realise that simply throwing money at the situation and re-announcing initiatives is not going to solve the problem.
"The Government's proposals to 'fast track' parents of serial truants have been announced before - and have clearly not been very effective. On the Government's own measure truancy is worse than ever. Simply re-announcing gimmicks is clearly not going to be the answer."
Mr Cameron suggested that home school contracts and greater flexibility within the curriculum could help the situation.
(KMcA/MB)
The Department of Education figures for 2004/05 showed a 0.07% increase in unauthorised absences in England’s schools.
The rise takes the truancy figures to their highest levels since 1994, in spite of the government spending almost £1 billion to combat the problem.
Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said: “It is disappointing that a stubborn minority of pupils, estimated at 8,000 in just 4% of secondary schools, remain determined to jeopardise their education and their futures through persistent truancy.”
Ms Smith launched a new scheme to combat truancy, to coincide with the release of the latest figures. The new scheme will target 8,000 ‘serial truants' and place their parents on a ‘fast-track’ to prosecution.
Under the scheme, parents would be given 12 weeks to improve their child’s attendance at school or face the prospect of a maximum fine of £2,500 or three months imprisonment.
Shadow Education Secretary David Cameron said that the truancy situation was getting worse. He said: "These figures are dreadful. The Government has spent nearly £1 billion on tackling truancy and yet it is getting worse. They need to realise that simply throwing money at the situation and re-announcing initiatives is not going to solve the problem.
"The Government's proposals to 'fast track' parents of serial truants have been announced before - and have clearly not been very effective. On the Government's own measure truancy is worse than ever. Simply re-announcing gimmicks is clearly not going to be the answer."
Mr Cameron suggested that home school contracts and greater flexibility within the curriculum could help the situation.
(KMcA/MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2003
Tories slam government over truancy figures
The Conservative Party has claimed today that the latest figures point to a "growing culture of truancy engulfing schools", despite a £650 million high-profile government campaign.
Tories slam government over truancy figures
The Conservative Party has claimed today that the latest figures point to a "growing culture of truancy engulfing schools", despite a £650 million high-profile government campaign.
02 May 2003
LEAs hold £590m in funds says Clarke
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has published figures that show Local Education Authorities in England have £590 million in funding that has yet to be allocated to schools. The figures show that a fifth of LEAs have more than £5 million to allocate to schools budgets in some areas.
LEAs hold £590m in funds says Clarke
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has published figures that show Local Education Authorities in England have £590 million in funding that has yet to be allocated to schools. The figures show that a fifth of LEAs have more than £5 million to allocate to schools budgets in some areas.
16 April 2012
Truancy Fines Should Come Directly From Child Benefit - Report Says
A government advisor on school behaviour has said parents of children who are regularly play truant should have their child benefit cut. Behaviour tsar Charlie Taylor has said the cut in child-benefit should be used to directly pay truancy fines in a crackdown on absenteeism.
Truancy Fines Should Come Directly From Child Benefit - Report Says
A government advisor on school behaviour has said parents of children who are regularly play truant should have their child benefit cut. Behaviour tsar Charlie Taylor has said the cut in child-benefit should be used to directly pay truancy fines in a crackdown on absenteeism.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
03 October 2003
Parents face £100 fines for truant children
Parents could face fines of up to £100 if their children persistently play truant from school, according to a consultation paper published today. Guidance to ensure effective use of new powers to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour, and truancy and misbehaviour in schools, has been published for consultation today.
Parents face £100 fines for truant children
Parents could face fines of up to £100 if their children persistently play truant from school, according to a consultation paper published today. Guidance to ensure effective use of new powers to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour, and truancy and misbehaviour in schools, has been published for consultation today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
