HC Deb 10 June 1980 vol 986 cc282-4
6. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has about the current levels of truancy in schools in England.

Dr. Boyson

My Department does not monitor the incidence of absence from school on a national basis. A number of local education authorities do, however, carry out surveys as part of their efforts to deal with truancy in their own areas.

Mr. Bennett

Can the Minister confirm or deny the comments which I am receiving from many teachers that, because of the extra cost of school meals, and the fact that far fewer children are now staying for school meals, truancy rates have gone up dramatically in many schools in the last six months?

Dr. Boyson

The Department has received no evidence that what the hon. Gentleman says is true. Over the last few years, we have had a secondary schools survey as well as a survey of schools in Sheffield. In many cases they have shown an increase in truancy which is condoned by the parents. That is a new factor. In the Sheffield survey, practically all primary school absence was condoned by the parent, and at secondary school level five-sixths of absences were condoned by the parent. That shows how essential it is to involve the parents in schools rather than just punishing the children for their absence.

Dr. Mawhinney

Is not my hon. Friend concerned that in many cases weeks pass before the parents are notified that their children are truants? Ought not steps to be taken to try to reduce that period to a minimum?

Dr. Boyson

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend's view. It is essential that schools notify parents the day when children are absent so that they can take action immediately and so that the pattern of truancy does not build up until it almost becomes a habit. I trust that people outside the House as well as those inside will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Marks

In response to the Government's request for education cuts are not some authorities cutting down the very services which would examine this matter and take the necessary action? Does not the Minister realise that it is the job of the Department and Education Ministers to ensure that Government funds—and a large amount of education spending is financed by Government funds—are properly spent and that adequate welfare services are provided?

Dr. Boyson

My hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney) referred to the importance of immediate notification of absence. That is something which I believe a school can do immediately, either by letter or by telephone contact. Surely all schools have the telephone numbers of the parents' place of work.

Mr. William Hamilton

They do not all have telephones.

Dr. Boyson

The hon. Gentleman suggests that factories are not on the telephone. Any reasonable school knows where the parents are during the daytime, and it should contact them. Unlike Labour Members, we do not make excuses for absence ; we want it cured.