Decision details

To consider the report of the Head of Service, Prevention and Inclusion seeking agreement to put in place a city wide Attendance Policy to set out arrangements to deliver a step change in absence rates in schools in the City, which are traditionally below those of other comparable Local Authorities.

In order to achieve this the Policy includes a one-year Action Plan and a revised Code of Conduct which sets out the criteria for the use of Fixed Penalty Notices.

To approve the revised School Attendance Policy, attached at Appendix 1 in the report. 

1. School attendance is a high priority for both the Council and schools.  Whilst attendance has improved, our absence rates are consistently above the national rates and those of our statistical neighbours; although a considerable amount of excellent work has been done.  Our aspiration for 2014 is to achieve an attendance rate of 94.9%.
2. Attendance is a critical factor in ensuring improved attainment and future life outcomes.  It is central to social inclusion and has a major impact on a child’s future life opportunities; equipping them to make good choices as young adults and citizens for themselves and for their communities.  It is recognised that attending school regularly can be a protective factor for children; contributing to keeping them safe from harm and reducing their engagement in risky behaviours, anti-social behaviour and juvenile crime.   

School attendance in Southampton, although improving, remains consistently behind the national rates and those of our statistical neighbours.  The alternative to adopting this new City-wide attendance policy would be to continue with current approaches which are likely to result in a failure to achieve our target of 94.9% attendance for 2014.