Andrew Bridgen MP calls for debate on truancy in Primary Schools
MP for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen has called for a Parliamentary debate on truancy in primary schools following figures released showing almost 400,000 primary school pupils are absent for 15% of the school year or more.
Andrew stated in Parliament ‘The latest figures show that almost 400,000 primary school pupils are absent for 15% of the school year or more, which is equivalent to a month out of school. I hope that all Members agree that addressing poor patterns of school attendance early would have major benefits not only for the pupils and families involved, but for the whole of society.
Sir George Young in response stated ‘I agree with my hon. Friend. He may have seen Charlie Taylor’s report, which was published on Monday, and the accompanying written ministerial statement, which supported the report and stated which measures, would be taken forward. I agree that attendance at school is a key factor in driving up levels of achievement. We need to change the culture whereby it is acceptable regularly to take family holidays during the school year. We also need better statistics on truancy, which was another of the recommendations.’
Andrew said afterwards ‘It is important that issues such as this are addressed at an early age. Evidence shows if children are absent for significant amounts of time in primary school, they are more likely to play truant as teenagers. This will be a cost that both the child and society will have to bear, as it makes them less likely to achieve their potential in adulthood.
FULL TEXT:
Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): May we have a debate on truancy at primary schools? The latest figures show that almost 400,000 primary school pupils are absent for 15% of the school year or more, which is equivalent to a month out of school. I hope that all Members agree that addressing poor patterns of school attendance early would have major benefits not only for the pupils and families involved, but for the whole of society.
Sir George Young: I agree with my hon. Friend. He may have seen Charlie Taylor’s report, which was published on Monday, and the accompanying written ministerial statement, which supported the report and stated which measures would be taken forward. I agree that attendance at school is a key factor in driving up levels of achievement. We need to change the culture whereby it is acceptable regularly to take family holidays during the school year. We also need better statistics on truancy, which was another of the recommendations. I would welcome such a debate, but my hon. Friend may have to contain himself until the new Session.
