82,000 days lost to truancy in Renfrewshire schools

Figures from the Scottish government have revealed that the 11 secondary schools in Renfrewshire have lost 82,000 days to truancy.

Analysis showed that Castlehead High lost 12,365 half days out of a possible 248,331 in 2014/15 in unexplained absenteeism, equal to five per cent of overall school time. Johnstone High also lost five per cent of its total school time, while Paisley Grammar reported a larger seven per cent of school time lost to truancy.

However, a Renfrewshire Council spokesman argued that: “The combined figures for truancy and unexplained absence reflect a wide variety of reasons for unauthorised absence from school for part or all of the school day. The figures also include a range of personal, medical or family reasons.

“The key issue is that schools look at each case and each pupil and put in place the appropriate support, not only for the young people but also their families if there is a pattern of absence which gives the school concern. Schools also work hard to engage parents to ensure that they keep the school notified for the reasons for children’s absence.

“We want to give support but also to put in place strategies to change behaviour to prevent the longer-term problems that develop if school is missed on a regular basis for whatever reason.”

Councillor Brian Lawson, SNP group leader, said: “Missed time at school is very hard to recover for youngsters who have fallen behind in lessons. Catching up can be very difficult when the child is already behind everyone else.”

He added: “We spend a fortune on bridging the attainment gap because education is all about all our children fulfilling their potential for achievement. We have to do more to tackle this lost learning.”