Posted on: Wednesday 9 October 2024
Average attendance in primary and secondary schools increased by three per cent in September, compared to the previous year.
It brings average school attendance rates at the start of the academic year in Torfaen to 93 per cent.
It means Torfaen has the third highest average attendance in Wales - an increase of 15 places since October 2022.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "The increase in average school attendance last month is a fantastic achievement for pupils, parents, schools and the wider education service.
"Research has shown a direct link between good attendance and good academic achievement, so supporting children to attend school regularly is central to our County Plan Well-being Objective of improving educational attainment.
"However, as our Not In Miss Out campaign shows, there are a wide range of other benefits of attending school regularly, including developing friendships, taking part in extra-curricular activities and career advice."
Average school attendance rates in Torfaen fell to among the lowest in Wales following the Covid pandemic.
Since then, many schools have brought in extra staff to support pupils and families with additional needs, such as long term physical or emotional problems.
The two local authorities with the highest average attendance in September were Ceredigion with 93.6 per cent and Monmouthshire with 93.4 per cent.
The #NotInMissOut campaign also aimed to reduce requests for authorised or unauthorised absences for reasons other than illness or medical appointments, for example taking days off for holidays or routine appointments like dental check-ups.
If a child cannot attend school, their parent or carer must contact their school as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Read more about Torfaen Council's Attendance Strategy