Truancy on increase

Released 27/02/2009

Latest truancy figures show a slight rise

Truancy rates in England have risen, according to the latest Government figures.

The annual statistics for 2007/08 show that average unauthorised absence for primary, secondary and special schools in England have risen from one per cent last year to 1.1 per cent in this survey.

Overall, the rate of absence in primary schools was 5.26 per cent (compared with 5.18 per cent in 2006/07), in all secondary schools it was 7.36 per cent (7.87 per cent in 2006/07). The rate for special schools was 10.57 per cent (10.62 per cent in 2006/07).

Stephen Clarke of Truancy Call commented on the latest statistics: "To tackle truancy head-on, the Government and schools must engage parents in the very earliest stages of absenteeism so that children missing the odd lesson can be quickly identified and wider problems addressed before it gets to a stage when a child persistently truants and parents are charged.

"By using a first-day contact system, schools can immediately contact parents of absent children by automated phone call, text message, and email.

"Parental support is fundamental to the success of a school's anti-truancy strategy. It is vital that schools implement early prevention strategies by challenging parents and alerting them each and every time their child is absent. Knowing that mum or dad is contacted every time they miss, or are late to school, is often enough to deter children from ‘bunking off' and stop the problem from escalating."

To view a full copy of the report click here.

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