Good news for schools in Rochdale borough

Date published: 23/09/2005

More good news for schools in Rochdale borough has been announced this week.

The level of both authorised and unauthorised absence has again been cut. Overall absences in Rochdale have fallen from 7.23% in 2003/04 to 7% in 2004/05.

The fall in absence is particularly strong in secondary schools, where the level has fallen by almost 0.5%.

Ann Tipton, Head of Learners & Young People's Service said, "Following strong improvements in GCSE, KS2 and KS3 results, evidence that more of our children are in school for longer is a further boost."

Within the published figures, authorised absence (5.92%) is a much greater proportion of the total than unauthorised (1.08%). Only part of the unauthorised absence involves truancy, more often involving shopping trips and medical appointments where the school has not been informed.

Ann Tipton added, "Our growing success in education depends on pupils being in class. Parents can give their children a great help in their schooling by ensuring they are in school promptly, on every school day.

"Education Welfare Officers are continuing to work with schools and families to help pupils to be at school when they are supposed to be. They provide advice and support - and where necessary can enforce attendance by taking action through Magistrates and Family Courts."

Commenting on school absences falling in Rochdale - MP Paul Rowen said: "I am delighted that absences at schools have fallen again. We must not be complacent though, 7% is still too high and we need to continue to educate parents.  Part of the problem is the greed of various travel companies who give huge discounts for holidays in term time.  Any responsible parent should hang their head in shame if they take their child out of school during term time."