Decision details

The Director of Communications and Interim Head of Democratic Services provided  Members with an update on the School Attendance strategy 2018- 2021 following Pre-scrutiny by the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 26^th September, 2018.

Members were advised of the comments of the scrutiny committee in respect of

·      Funding provision in respect of the 3^rd Year of the strategy

·      Recognising the achievements of those students facing barriers to attendance

·      Priority 5 - Truancy Watch and Truancy Free Zones - Concerns in respect of Truancy Free Zones

·      Engagement with School Governors and pupils – to be taken forward.

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services commented on the feedback from Scrutiny and the changes made to the strategy since its presentation at Scrutiny.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning thanked scrutiny for its work and the relevant concerns highlighted by the Committee.  She added that the Truancy Free zone would need to be carefully managed and commented on the potential of a pilot of the scheme in the first instance.  The Cabinet Member also suggested taking forward engagement with the RCT Governors association with the strategy. The Cabinet Member spoke of the importance of the strategy and the requisite action plan which assisted children in attending school in the face of diversity.

The Leader queried how and if referrals were being made into the  resilient families programme to which the Director advised upon, advising of the important element the programme had for the attendance and Well Being service and the joined up approach being taken forward.

The Deputy Leader reiterated the suggestion that the truancy free zone was piloted in the first instance and spoke positively of the strategy going forward.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the comments and observations of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee attached as Appendix A of the report.

2.    To endorse the recommendations outlined within the School Attendance Strategy for 2018 – 2021“Miss School, Miss Out”, subject to the piloting of Truancy Free Zones and the wider engagement with RCT Governors Association in respect of the strategy.

3.    To approve implementation of the draft School Attendance Strategy.