This Council condemns the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition for the current unacceptably high levels of unauthorised absence in many schools in Leeds and is appalled that two of the three schools with the worst records for truancy in England are in Leeds.
Recognising that high levels of truancy have an enormous impact on outcomes for young people and their communities, council therefore instructs the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration to make tackling truancy a key priority, so that levels of unauthorised absence in Leeds schools are substantially reduced.
In addition, Council requests that the Executive Board members for Learning and Environment and Neighbourhoods work together and investigate the links between high levels of truancy, low educational performance, and incidents of crime and anti social behaviour, and report their findings to the Executive Board this autumn.
L MULHERIN
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Mulherin seconded by Councillor Dowson:
That this Council condemns the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition for the current unacceptably high levels of unauthorised absence in many schools in Leeds and is appalled that two of the three schools with the worst records for truancy in England are in Leeds.
Recognising that high levels of truancy have an enormous impact on outcomes for young people and their communities, council therefore instructs the Conservative and Liberal Democrat administration to make tackling truancy a key priority, so that levels of unauthorised absence in Leeds schools are substantially reduced.
In addition, Council requests that the Executive Board members for Learning and Environment and Neighbourhoods work together and investigate the links between high levels of truancy, low educational performance, and incidents of crime and anti social behaviour, and report their findings to the Executive Board this autumn.
An amendment was moved by Councillor Harker seconded by Councillor Lamb.
Delete all after “This Council…”
Replace with
“…This Council accepts that the level of unauthorised absence in a number of Leeds schools is unacceptable. Council further notes the extensive partnership working which is taking place between officers of Education Leeds, various council departments and voluntary and community groups.
This Council recognises that high levels of truancy are one of several factors which have an enormous impact on educational outcomes for young people which in turn are part of a wider cycle of social problems including anti social behaviour. It is a key priority of this administration to reduce the level of unauthorised absence and to tackle all the factors which will improve the educational outcomes of young people in Leeds.
The partnerships currently in place between officers of Education Leeds and various council departments is beginning to show signs of success. It is important that we continue to educate parents and carers of the damage done if they encourage or condone unauthorised absence.
This administration is committed to continuing this work, to ensuring that all young people achieve positive educational outcomes and to reducing related crime and anti social behaviour.”
The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was
RESOLVED – That this Council accepts that the level of unauthorised absence in a number of Leeds schools is unacceptable. Council further notes the extensive partnership working which is taking place between officers of Education Leeds, various council departments and voluntary and community groups.
This Council recognises that high levels of truancy are one of several factors which have an enormous impact on educational outcomes for young people which in turn are part of a wider cycle of social problems including anti social behaviour. It is a key priority of this administration to reduce the level of unauthorised absence and to tackle all the factors which will improve the educational outcomes of young people in Leeds.
The partnerships currently in place between officers of Education Leeds and various council departments is beginning to show signs of success. It is important that we continue to educate parents and carers of the damage done if they encourage or condone unauthorised absence.
This administration is committed to continuing this work, to ensuring that all young people achieve positive educational outcomes and to reducing related crime and anti social behaviour.”