Agenda item

10.

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.3.1

10.4

10.4.1

CITYWIDE APPROACH TO IMPROVING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The Head of Access and Inclusion was in attendance to present a report which sought to raise the current challenges relating to school attendance with the Committee and to provide an update on current activity and future planned work to support and improve school attendance across the city. The report sought commitment from elected members on the importance of enabling good school attendance.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee: -

-       commit to play a role as system leaders on improving school attendance across the city working across Sheffield City Council and with partner organisations.

-       commit to continue to support activity to improve school attendance.

-       continue to work with officers to agree further actions which it can take which will positively impact on attendance outcomes in the City in line with the attendance charter and campaign.

Reasons for Decision

Children in Sheffield are consistently not attending school, risking future life chances and preventing academic success. More than that, education should provide a place of belonging, safety, fun and friendship for children and young people. Currently too many children are missing out on maximising those opportunities. It is recommended that school attendance be a strategic priority to address this.

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The alternative would be to continue to see attendance as a single service or school issue. This option has been rejected due to the range of challenges that are in place and the need to prioritise attendance at school.

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.3.1

10.4

10.4.1

The Head of Access and Inclusion was in attendance to present a report which sought to raise the current challenges relating to school attendance with the Committee and to provide an update on current activity and future planned work to support and improve school attendance across the city. The report sought commitment from elected members on the importance of enabling good school attendance.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee: -

-       commit to play a role as system leaders on improving school attendance across the city working across Sheffield City Council and with partner organisations.

-       commit to continue to support activity to improve school attendance.

-       continue to work with officers to agree further actions which it can take which will positively impact on attendance outcomes in the City in line with the attendance charter and campaign.

Reasons for Decision

Children in Sheffield are consistently not attending school, risking future life chances and preventing academic success. More than that, education should provide a place of belonging, safety, fun and friendship for children and young people. Currently too many children are missing out on maximising those opportunities. It is recommended that school attendance be a strategic priority to address this.

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The alternative would be to continue to see attendance as a single service or school issue. This option has been rejected due to the range of challenges that are in place and the need to prioritise attendance at school.