Truancy rates have not changed in a decade despite more than £1 billion being spent on initiatives to tackle poor attendance, it emerged today, writes Clare Jerrom.
A report by the New Philanthropy Capital found that despite the plethora of initiatives designed to tackle truancy and challenging behaviour, unauthorised absences have not changed in 10 years and permanent exclusions have risen by a fifth since 2000.
Local education authorities, schools and charities say truancy and exclusion rates can be reduced. “However, significant change at a national level is hampered not only by a number of practical difficulties, but also the increasing tension between being seen to be tough on problem behaviour and balancing the needs of all pupils,” the report says.
NPC has identified charities working in four key areas: social support, advising parents, alternative educational provision and helping the state to reduce rates of truancy and exclusion.
The report concludes that funding these charities could have a significant impact on the problems and behaviour that can lead to truancy and exclusion, reduce rates of unauthorised absences and exclusions and lessen the negative outcomes associated with truanting or exclusion.
One pupil in every 1,000 is permanently excluded from school every year in the UK.
For more information, go to www.philanthropycapital.org
