Truancy rates remain stable despite initiatives

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