ATTENDANCE IMPROVES AT CARMARTHENSHIRE SCHOOLS

Attendance figures across Carmarthenshire have improved with schools reporting an all time high of 94.1%.

Parents and carers are being thanked for their co-operation in helping the county achieve the figures, which are well above the Welsh average of 93.8%.

It comes as new Welsh Government data shows that the number of pupils being absent from secondary schools across Wales is at the lowest level ever recorded.

Education Minister Huw Lewis has welcomed the falling rate as excellent news.

Carmarthenshire’s education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones said: “Improving attendance has been a key priority for Carmarthenshire and further improvement in attendance rates has been realised with our schools achieving an all time high of 94.1%which is well above the Welsh average of93.8%.

“Authorised absence has improved and our unauthorised absence rate is still one of the best in Wales.

“This is primarily due to co-operation from parents and carers, the diligence of schools and input from the local authority’s Education Welfare Service and school data team.

“I would like to personally thank all those involved in helping schools achieve these attendance rates.”

The main responsibility of the Education Welfare Service (EWS) is to promote regular attendance at school.

Officers give support and advice on regulations regarding non-attendance, child employment, performance, and chaperones.

To secure regular school attendance, they work in partnership with pupils and their families, schools, community support services and other professionals such as social workers, youth services, and educational psychologists.

A school may refer a family to the EWS if a child’s school attendance is of concern.