Rhondda Cynon Taf Council‘s crackdown on poor attendance and truancy has seen parents from throughout the County Borough prosecuted in Court.

Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court heard a series of truancy cases brought before them by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council involving parents and guardians from Tonypandy, Pontypridd and Treorchy. In total six individuals were prosecuted for allowing their children to stay away from school.

In total those days out of the classroom cost them £1,605 in fines which ranged from £35 to £350, along with costs and surcharges.

The court hearings came just months after the Council launched its major campaign to raise educational standards for the benefit of every school pupil.

If a child is 15 minutes late for school a day, it means the equivalent of losing two weeks of school per year. Missing a school day a week is the same as losing a quarter of the year’s education.

The outcome is simple – bad attendance means bad grades and the effects of it can last a lifetime. The profound effect of truancy alone has a major impact on the standard of education received by a child.

Director of Education Chris Bradshaw said: “We want to provide children in the County Borough with an educational experience that enables them to make the most of the opportunities available to them in adulthood. Tackling truancy and pupil absence is a key part of this as is literacy and numeracy.

“The impact of a good education on a community is profound. There is a strong connection between illiteracy and social exclusion for young people and adults. By working with schools, governing bodies and headteachers we will ensure resources available are used to the very best effect to deliver an excellent learning experience in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”

Such bold proposals to raise educational standards in the County Borough will involve not only schools, teachers, pupils and parents, but entire communities and partner agencies in a widespread and exciting project, which is pioneering and inspiring in its approach.

Alongside attendance, the aim of the plan is also to improve literacy and numeracy across all key stages, along with using data to improve pupil, teacher, subject and over all school performance.

As part of the campaign to reduce truancy, the Council has installed banners outside school buildings in an effort to remind parents and children of the importance of good attendance in the classroom.

The Council would like to hear your thoughts on the banners and a survey has now been established.

This can be found at http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=133414929590|