Education minister Huw Lewis has welcomed the publication of statistics that show persistent school absence is at its lowest ever recorded level.
The Welsh government’s new figures found that just 1.4 per cent of primary school pupils were recorded as persistent absentees in 2014/15, down from 1.7 per cent the previous year and down from 3.4 per cent in 2008/09. Meanwhile, persistent secondary school absence has more than halved since 2008/09.
The statistics also show that absenteeism for pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) is at its lowest ever recorded level for both primary and secondary school pupils.
The progress comes after the Welsh government made tackling poor attendance figures – especially among FSM children – one of its priorities. One tactic was placing banners on school gates to encourage parents to strive
for 100 per cent attendance for their children.
Estyn is also driving home the message to schools in its inspections by looking closely at attendance figures and at the school’s strategies for improvement. In the last academic year more than a quarter of schools inspected had a recommendation to improve attendance.
The latest Pupil Deprivation Grant evaluation, published in December 2015, showed that teachers think the grant is making a real difference. The Welsh government’s education chiefs say the profession in general believes the consistent improvement in attendance can be attributed to the grant.
Education consortia were also supported by the Welsh government’s Attendance Grant to work within their authorities and schools to develop and embed effective practices to secure longer term improvements in school attendance.
Mr Lewis said the new figures made for “very satisfying reading”, adding: “Persistent school absence is now at its lowest level since we started collecting the relevant figures. This is the result of the commitment and dedication of pupils, parents, teachers, local authorities and education consortia who all understand that if young people are going to fulfil their potential, regular school attendance is vital.
“It is particularly pleasing that school attendance among our pupils eligible for free school meals continues to rise. We are absolutely committed to breaking the link between poverty and low attainment and regular school attendance is one of the very best ways of enabling us to achieve this.
“While these statistics are undoubtedly good news we cannot and will not be complacent. We will continue to do all we can to tackle absenteeism and, in particular, persistent absence to help learners get the most out of their education.”